Real fans expecting 'tough' game after long haul to Kazakhstan

Real Madrid fans descended on Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty on Monday for a highly anticipated Champions League match against local powerhouse Kairat.

Despite the long journey – more than 6 400 kilometres (4 000 miles) east of their home turf – the Spaniards were all smiles as they hoped to bounce back from Saturday's defeat to derby rivals Atletico.

Fans cheerfully strolled through the city's wide boulevards, chanting and waving Spanish flags.

"Honestly, I haven't seen the Kazakh team playing, but for sure it's going to be a tough game," 40-year-old Real fan Joaquin Botella told AFP.

"I hope Madrid will win."

Xabi Alonso's side were overrun 5-2 on Saturday by Atletico, conceding five goals against the Colchoneros for the first time since 1950.

They face Kairat on Tuesday in a game sports magazine The Athletic called "arguably the biggest mismatch in the competition's history".

Kairat began their Champions League campaign with a 4-1 defeat by Sporting in Portugal, but will be highly motivated to perform at their first home game.

"Probably, they (Kairat) will try to make their best for the match," said 54-year-old flight attendant Yolanda Castellanos.

"It's the game of their life."

Plane captain and Real fan Francisco Asencio was more confident.

"I'm sure we're going to win. Just one player of Real Madrid is incredible. When you go to the Bernabeu every Sunday and you see any one of them. The quality they have... it's amazing," he said.

Real Madrid won their opening home game against Marseille 2-1 and will need to adjust from the seven-hour flight to Kairat, which has a three-hour time zone shift.

But most fans were happy to be there, despite the jet lag.

"It's our first time," said Emilio Ochando, a 48-year-old flight attendant from Spain.

"The food is nice too. We have tried horse meat. Something new for us," he said.

🇰🇿🔜⚽️ Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre nuestro próximo rival, el Kairat Almaty. pic.twitter.com/EyddsEjcvl

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 29, 2025