Real Madrid Faces Kairat Almaty in Champions League Amid Defensive Woes
On September 30, 2025, Real Madrid prepares for a challenging encounter against Kairat Almaty in their second match of the UEFA Champions League. The journey to Kazakhstan covers nearly 7,000 kilometers, coming just after a demanding week filled with intense LaLiga clashes against Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal. Following a heavy defeat in the derby, Real Madrid is determined to bounce back.
Key Matchup Against Kairat Almaty
As Real Madrid takes on Kairat Almaty, an unfamiliar opponent in the Champions League, Coach Xabi Alonso is focused on ensuring his team performs at a high level. With tough matches looming against formidable rivals, such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, and Benfica, every match becomes critical for the team’s momentum. The upcoming classic against FC Barcelona adds further significance to this match.
Defensive Challenges Ahead of the Match
The team faces a significant hurdle with five defensive injuries as they prepare for the match. The absence of key players like Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and Éder Militão has left a gap in the defensive lineup. Despite recent reinforcements in the transfer market, Alonso finds himself navigating through similar challenges that plagued former coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Strategic Lineup Decisions
With concerns about player fatigue after a long journey, Alonso will strategically manage his squad’s effort levels. Although Jude Bellingham struggled with form in the derby, his competitive rhythm prompts a cautious approach, likely limiting his playtime. Eduardo Camavinga also may not feature in the starting lineup. In an effort to manage player fatigue, Fran García is set to start, providing much-needed support in defense alongside a frontline featuring Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
Projected Lineups for Kairat Almaty vs. Real Madrid
| Kairat Almaty | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
| Kalmurza | Thibaut Courtois |
| Mata | Raúl Asencio |
| Sorokin | Dean Huijsen |
| Martynovich | David Alaba |
| Tapálov | Fran García |
| Arad | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| Kasabulat | Dani Ceballos |
| Hramyka | Arda Güler |
| Jorginho | Franco Mastantuono |
| Mrynskiy | Vinícius Júnior |
| Satpáyev | Kylian Mbappé |
Match Details
Referee: Marco Guida
Venue: Almaty Ortalyk Stadion
Kick-off Times:
– 9:45 am PT
– 10:45 am MX
– 12:45 pm ET
As Real Madrid aims for a transformative victory to recover from recent setbacks, eyes will be on the players’ performances and strategies deployed by Alonso. A walkthrough of both teams’ lineup and tactical approaches promises an engaging encounter in this crucial Champions League matchup.
