Just three days after an embarassing defeat in the Madrid derby, Real Madrid return to Champions League action to take on Kairat.
Real Madrid saw their perfect start to the 2025–26 season demolished by Atlético Madrid at the weekend. Xabi Alonso’s men suffered a dreadful 5–2 defeat at the Metropolitano, allowing bitter rivals Barcelona to take control of the early La Liga title race.
Los Blancos have little time to wallow in the loss, though; the Spanish giants made the long trip to Asia 24 hours later to prepare for their second Champions League league phase match. Real Madrid will play their first-ever game against Kazakhstan Premier League side Kairat.
Despite the apparent mismatch between the two clubs, Alonso is severely undermanned for the clash. Both Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão joined Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy in the infirmary, leaving the 15-time European champions without a first-team right back.
Here’s what Real Madrid’s XI could look like for the Champions League bout.






