Real Madrid’s Journey to Kazakhstan
In the wake of a disheartening 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid’s players are set to embark on a long journey to Kazakhstan. Just under a day after their crushing loss in the derby, the team boarded a flight from Madrid to Almaty for their upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Kairat Almaty. This unexpected trip is seen as a needed change of atmosphere following a historically poor performance; it marks the first time in 75 years that Madrid has conceded five goals in a derby match.
Media Reactions and Significance of the Match
As the players traveled approximately 4,000 miles to Central Asia, Spanish media offered contrasting takes on the situation. Diario AS referred to their flight as “therapy at 30,000 feet,” while Marca lamented the timing of the journey as less than ideal. Notably, this Champions League match holds significance for Kairat Almaty, as it is their inaugural appearance in the competition’s 71-year history after successfully navigating the qualifying rounds.
Arrival in Almaty
Real Madrid’s charter flight, which took off from Barajas Airport at about 1 p.m. local time, landed in Almaty nearly eight hours later, greeted with a traditional Kazakh welcome featuring local musicians dressed in customary attire, performing the UEFA Champions League anthem. The players are slated to stay at the InterContinental Hotel, a luxury accommodation situated in the city center. Reviews highlight the hotel’s prime location as well as its impressive amenities, including a lavish buffet breakfast.
About Almaty and Local Support
Almaty, frequently regarded as Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical capital, boasts a significant population and serves as a dynamic regional hub. Interestingly, the city has a geographical longitude similar to New Delhi, India, and is located a mere four-hour drive from the Chinese border. The weather in September tends to be warm, with the temperature reaching up to 81 degrees Fahrenheit on arrival.
Upon their arrival, a few hundred local fans gathered outside the hotel, eager to greet their idols, with one young supporter holding up a sign requesting an autograph. In stark contrast to the excitement from supporters, fans from Madrid may be disinclined to make such a long trip, particularly after the recent disappointing derby result.
Kairat Almaty: A Rising Club
Kairat Almaty, despite its limited experience at the Champions League level, is a prominent football club in Kazakhstan, boasting a history that dates back to before independence in 1991. They are currently the reigning domestic champions and sit second in the Kazakhstan Premier League, just one point behind their rivals, Astana.
Historically, Kairat has faced challenges transitioning into European competitions; they have often failed to progress beyond qualifying rounds in the UEFA Europa League and previously participated in the UEFA Conference League. However, they successfully secured their spot in the Champions League this season after defeating Celtic in a tense playoff that culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Looking Ahead
Despite the distance separating the two teams, Madrid leads with an impressive 15 European Cups to Kairat’s none. Nonetheless, Kairat’s ongoing efforts and ambition in European football are evident as they prepare for this high-profile clash against the 15-time champions.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso expressed the emotional turmoil felt by players and supporters following the recent defeat, stating the importance of a strong reaction in the upcoming matches. The team’s next challenge awaits them in a city that is geographically more accessible to Tokyo than to Madrid.
