Real Madrid journeys 4,000 miles east for Champions League clash.
A New Scenery for Real Madrid’s Players
After suffering a staggering 5-2 defeat in the recent Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid, the players of Real Madrid find themselves embarking on a far-flung journey—a mere 19 hours post-defeat. Boarding a flight bound for Kazakhstan, the team is set to play against Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League, a match that’s shaping up to be significant on multiple fronts.
The Journey to Kazakhstan
Real Madrid’s players traveled approximately 4,000 miles east from the familiar grounds of Western Europe to the cultural heart of Central Asia, Almaty. Described as "therapy at 30,000 feet" by Spanish publication Diario AS, this intense journey comes at a perplexing time, as the team seeks to regain its footing after an almost historical defeat. Prior to this loss, conceding five goals in a derby had not occurred for 75 years, making Saturday’s game an unsettling chapter for the storied club.
Uncharted Territory
This match against Kairat Almaty marks another level of novelty for Real Madrid, as it will be the first Champions League game ever played in a location as far east as Almaty—an interesting fact when considering that this city is in proximity to the borders of China and shares a longitude similar to New Delhi, India. For Kairat, this is a momentous occasion as they compete in the Champions League for the first time in their 71-year history. Their previous outing was less than stellar, having lost 4-1 to Sporting CP in Lisbon on Matchday 1.
Arrival in Almaty
Upon their arrival at Almaty International Airport late Sunday night, the players were met with a warm and somewhat surreal welcome. Locals dressed in traditional Kazakh attire, offering cultural displays along with instruments like the dombra and zhetygen, played the Champions League anthem. After this charming introduction, they were whisked off to the lavish InterContinental Hotel in Almaty’s city center, where the night’s luxury came at a price ranging from €250-€450 per room.
A Cultural Hub
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is a significant regional hub. Despite its proximity to the majestic Tian Shan mountain range, the weather is surprisingly warm in September, reaching temperatures around 81°F with a 30% humidity level. Outside the team hotel, dozens of enthusiastic fans collected to greet the Madrid squad, holding up signs requesting autographs and showcasing their passion for the team.
The Significance for Kairat
Kairat Almaty stands out as a prominent club within Kazakhstan, boasting a rich history dating back to Soviet times. However, their standing at the European level is comparatively modest. For Kairat fans, this clash against Real Madrid represents the most high-profile game in the club’s history, as they look to make their mark on the illustrious Champions League stage.
The Road to the Champions League
Having joined UEFA in 2002, the Kazakhstan Football Federation has witnessed Kairat often falter in the initial qualification rounds of the Europa League. Their journey leading up to this Champions League campaign has been a notable achievement, overcoming teams from Slovenia, Finland, and Slovakia to finally make it to the playoffs. Their remarkable feat of defeating Celtic on penalties to secure a place in the league phase is a testament to their perseverance.
Current Competitiveness
The Kazakhstan Premier League operates on a different calendar, running from March to late October, allowing Kairat to maintain fresher legs compared to Real Madrid’s recent struggles in the Spanish league. Currently, they sit second in the league, just one point behind rivals Astana, showcasing their competitiveness as reigning champions.
Looking Ahead
While many Madrid fans may hesitate to make the long trek to Almaty in the wake of recent events, the anticipation of this cultural and sporting encounter remains high. Coach Xabi Alonso has acknowledged the sting of the derby loss, emphasizing the importance of their upcoming match as a platform for the team to respond and regroup.
This journey not only brings the players to a new geographic location but also offers them an unforeseen challenge. Real Madrid’s illustrious history in the Champions League has prepared them for many adversities, but stepping into this unique scenario presents an intriguing narrative as they look to reclaim their dominance on the European stage.