The Kairat vs Real Madrid clash will be one of the most fascinating fixtures of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, September 30, when the two sides meet at Ortalyq Stadion in Almaty.
Kairat are relishing their first-ever group stage appearance and will see this game as a chance to test themselves against the most successful club in European football. Real Madrid, meanwhile, arrive under pressure after their derby defeat to Atletico, knowing only a convincing display will ease the scrutiny.
Match Details
Ortalyq Stadion
Almaty, Kazakhstan
30 September
Kickoff 17:45 BST
A Historic Night for Kairat
For Kairat, this isn’t just another group stage game – it’s history in the making.
The Kazakh champions fought through the qualifiers to get here and now host Real Madrid in Almaty, a moment that will be remembered regardless of the result. Their approach will be pragmatic: defend deep, frustrate Madrid, and look for moments on the break.
The crowd will be electric, and that home atmosphere could give Kairat the lift they need to believe.
Madrid’s Derby Wounds
Real Madrid’s preparation hasn’t been ideal, coming off the back of a humbling 5-2 defeat to Atletico. That result exposed defensive frailties and raised questions about Xabi Alonso’s balance between attack and defence.
This match is less about flair and more about control – Madrid need discipline in midfield from Tchouameni and Valverde, as well as sharpness in attack from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. The pressure is on to respond.
Defensive Concerns for Both Sides
Madrid’s back line is severely depleted. Dani Carvajal is suspended and carrying an injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rudiger are unavailable, while Eder Militao is doubtful after a knee issue in the derby. That leaves youngsters like Dean Huijsen with a huge responsibility.
On the other side, Kairat also have problems in goal, with both backup keepers ruled out. Youngster Sherkhan Kalmurza could be thrown in for the biggest night of his career.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Women’s Football and the Ballon d’Or Awards: Were Arsenal Women Disrespected?
Kairat vs Real Madrid Injuries and Suspensions
Kairat injuries: Aleksandr Zarutskiy, Temirlan Anarbekov, Giorgi Zaria, Dan Glazer
Real Madrid injuries: Daniel Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Kairat vs Real Madrid Predicted Lineups
Knowing the occasion, both Rafael Urazbakhtin and Xabi Alonso will aim to put out their strongest possible elevens, but absences mean changes are inevitable. Here, we look at the Kairat vs Real Madrid predicted lineups:
Kairat predicted XI: Sherkhan Kalmurza, Luis Mata, Egor Sorokin, Aleksandr Martynovich, Erkin Tapalov, Ofri Arad, Damir Kasabulat, Valeriy Gromyko, Jorginho, Aleksandr Mrynskiy, Dastan Satpaev
Real Madrid predicted XI: Thibaut Courtois, Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Hujsen, Raul Acensio, Ferde Valverde, Camavinga, Arda Guler, Vini Jr, Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pressinphoto
Recording Date: 28.09.2025