UEFA Champions League 25/26: Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid Preview, Prediction, Live Score & Lineups
Real Madrid, the record 15-time champions, face a grueling 4,000-mile trip to Kazakhstan to take on debutants Kairat Almaty on Matchday 2. Los Blancos arrive reeling from a recent, humbling 5-2 derby loss, but are buoyed by an opening Champions League win. Kairat, after losing 4-1 on the road in Matchday 1, must rely on their formidable defensive strength at home to withstand this unprecedented challenge from the Spanish giants.
Kick Off Time
Competition - Round: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 - League Phase, Matchday 2
Kick-off (GMT): 16:45, Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Stadium, Location: Ortalyq Stadıon (Almaty Central Stadium), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Referee: Guida M. (Italy)
Match Facts and Key Numbers
Head-to-Head: This is the first-ever competitive fixture between FC Kairat Almaty and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Form: Los Blancos secured a 2-1 victory against Marseille on Matchday 1 but enter this game following a shocking 5-2 domestic loss to city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Kairat Home Strength: Kairat went undefeated in all four Champions League qualifying games at home, keeping four consecutive clean sheets in Almaty.
Kairat League Phase Debut: Matchday 1 saw Kairat lose their first league phase game 4-1 to Sporting CP in Portugal.
Key Absences (Real Madrid): Coach Xabi Alonso is without key defenders, including Dani Carvajal (suspended) and Éder Militão (injury/knock).
Mbappé Threat: Superstar forward Kylian Mbappé is available and in blistering form, having netted 10 goals in his first eight games of the season.
Travel Factor: Real Madrid faces an arduous 4,000-mile journey to the easternmost UEFA Champions League participant.
Match Prediction
This match is a classic clash of pedigree versus passion, with Real Madrid's quality likely to overcome the geographical and atmospheric challenges. Kairat's strong home defense will be tested by a Madrid side desperate to bounce back from their league defeat. While Kairat may hold out initially, the firepower of the visitors, especially with Mbappé leading the line, should prove too much.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win 3-0.
