Overview

• Real Madrid traveled roughly 6,400 kilometers to face group debutants Kairat Almaty in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture at Estadio Central.
• Published lineups list Thibaut Courtois in goal behind Álvaro Carreras, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen and Fran García, with Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler in midfield, and Franco Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé in attack.
• Right-back Dani Carvajal is sidelined with a right soleus injury that reports say could keep him out for about a month, while Éder Militão is expected to return after only a few days of rest.
• Alonso said the team must “turn the page,” framing the trip as an opportunity to regain momentum after the heavy derby defeat.
• Coverage highlights ongoing defensive shortages and youth reliance as Real Madrid seek a restorative win to stay on course for direct progression from the group.