Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso urged his side to shift focus to its Champions League campaign as it prepares to face debutant Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, days after a humbling 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Alonso found himself fielding questions in what may be the most remote press conference in Champions League history on Monday in Almaty – 6,441 kilometres from Madrid and the easternmost city ever to host a game in the competition.
The Real Madrid coach faced a room packed with local media, seizing the unique opportunity to host the record 15-time European Cup winner.
Saturday’s loss at the Metropolitano was Real’s first defeat to its city rival since January 2024 and the first time it had conceded five goals to Atletico in 75 years.
Alonso called for lessons to be learned but stressed the importance of moving forward.
“I think that both in victory and defeat, the feeling should last 24 hours. Then comes the analysis,” Alonso told reporters. “It wasn’t just about attitude; it was also pace, tactics – things about the game. We’ve done the analysis and we’re going to use it.”
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Real Madrid began its European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Olympique de Marseille two weeks ago.
Alonso emphasised the need to secure points on the road, regardless of the opponent or location.
“The match is just another match, it’s not an excuse,” he said of the long journey to Kazakhstan. “It doesn’t matter who the opponent is or where we’re playing – we want to win.”
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The manager dismissed concerns about a lack of communication in the dressing room, describing his squad as a work in progress.
“Sometimes, to take a step forward, you have to take two steps back,” he said. “It hurts, but we’re already in Champions League mode.”
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso reacts during his team’s 2-5 loss to city rival Atletico in La Liga.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso reacts during his team’s 2-5 loss to city rival Atletico in La Liga.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Alonso remains optimistic about his team’s ability to bounce back.
“We weren’t at our best. It’s part of the learning process. It has hurt, but we’re thinking about what to do tomorrow. We don’t want to drop points,” he said.
Real Madrid’s packed schedule and the long-distance travel to Almaty will test its adaptability.
“The smartest person is the one who adapts best. Getting off to a good start is important, and we want to pick up points away from home.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid predicted XI:
Kairat Almaty: Kalmurza; Tapalov, Sorokin, Martynovich, Mata; Arad, Kassabulat; Gromyko, Jorginho, Mrynskiy; Satpaev
Real Madrid: Courtois; Asencio, Carreras, Huijsen, Garcia; Tchouameni, Valverde; Guler, Vinicius, Mastantuono; Mbappe
Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid LIVE Streaming info:
When and where will Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid be played?
The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 league-phase match between Kairat Almaty and Real Madrid will be played at the Pavlodar Central Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:45 pm local time (10:15 pm IST).
How to watch Kairat Almaty vs Real Madrid in Champions League?
In India, the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 league-phase match between Kairat Almaty and Real Madrid will be live telecast on the Sony Sports Network. It can also be live streamed on Sony LIV.
Published on Sep 29, 2025
