In their illustrious history, Real Madrid have faced clubs from 44 different countries, but never Kazakhstan, a fact that will change when los Blancos make the 4,000 mile journey east on Tuesday.
Kairat vs Real Madrid preview
After suffering their first defeat of the season, can Real Madrid get back to winning ways a long way from home? On Saturday, Xabi Alonso's side were beaten 5-2 in a thrilling Madrid derby by Atlético. After falling behind early, quick-fire goals from Kylian Mbappé and then Arda Güler had los Blancos in front but, from thereafter, they fell apart at the Metropolitano, comprehensively beaten in the end.
Before this, Real Madrid had won six out of six in La Liga, scoring 14 goals, as well as starting their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 home win over Olympique de Marseille. A pair of Mbappé penalties securing the win at the Bernabéu. Now, the record 15-times winners of this competition will travel to Kazakhstan for the very first time, but will they leave Almaty with all three points?
In stark contrast to their visitors, Kairat are making their debut in the Champions League proper this season, needing to overcome Olimpija Ljubljana, KuPS, Slovan Bratislava on penalties and then Celtic on penalties to qualify for just a second-ever UEFA group stage. Last year, they won only a fourth Kazakh Premier League title, Astana the country's dominant force, and currently sit second, a point below he serial champions, who they face on the final day of the season which is in late-October.
To begin their league phase campaign, Rafael Urazbakhtin's team were crushed 4-1 by Sporting CP at Estádio José Alvalade, almost getting to half time at 0-0, before the floodgates opened, with Edmilson late goal in Lisbon an historic moment, even if only a consolation. In the league phase, they'll also welcome Pafos, Olympiacos and Club Brugge to Almaty, so this is the one everyone wants to see, so can Kairat cause an historic upset at the Almaty Central Stadium on Tuesday?
Kairat vs Real Madrid head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Kairat team news
Rafael Urazbakhtin is enduring something of a goalkeeping crisis. Alexander Zarutsky picked up an injury at Celtic Park last month, while Temirlan Anarbekov has since suffered a concussion.
So, 18 year old Sherkhan Kalmurza will once again be donning the gloves. His senior debut came in Lisbon a fortnight ago, making the occasion by saving a penalty.
Kairat predicted lineup vs Real Madrid: (4-3-3): Kalmurza; Tapolov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Luís Mata; Arad, Kasabulat, Gromyko, Jorginho, Mrynskiy; Satpayev.
Kairat player to watch vs Real Madrid
The undisputed star of this team is 17 year old striker Dastan Satpayev, who has scored 15 goals so far in 2025, including three in the Champions League. He will join Chelsea for €4 million next summer, so this is a chance for him to show the world what he can do.
Real Madrid team news
Xabi Alonso is very short of defenders, considering Dani Carvajal is suspended, having been sent off against Marseille, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy are all injured. Then, Éder Militão suffered an injury of his own during Saturday's Madrid derby, so is now sidelined.
As a result, Raúl Asencio will come into defence, while Fran García could fill-in at right-back, with Fede Valverde the alternative, having done this job plenty of times throughout last season.
Jude Bellingham was a surprise stater at the weekend, his first start of the season following shoulder surgery, while fit again Eduardo Camavinga has come off the bench for the last three matches, so will either feature in Almaty? Lastly, having scored his first goal for the club last mid-week against Levante, most would expect Franco Mastantuono to return to the forward line.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Kairat: (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Militão, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Ceballos, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius.
Real Madrid player to watch vs Kairat
Kylian Mbappé's double against Marseille takes his tally to 57 goals in 88 Champions League appearances, netting against 24 different clubs in the competition, so will he add Kairat to this list?
Kairat vs Real Madrid prediction
We cannot see beyond a comfortable Real Madrid victory in Almaty, likely to prove far too strong for Kairat, even if the conditions will not be what they are used to: Kairat 0-3 Real Madrid.
Kairat vs Real Madrid FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Kairat vs Real Madrid in the Champions League on TV channel?
Kairat vs Real Madrid in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN USA & Univision NOW
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Kairat vs Real Madrid in the Champions League on live streaming?
Kairat vs Real Madrid in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN.com & UniMás
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Kairat vs Real Madrid in the Champions League?
Kairat vs Real Madrid takes place on Tuesday 30 September 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (BST), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PDT).