Overview
- Madrid arrived in Kazakhstan on Monday after a long-haul journey reported at nearly 7,000 km for their first Champions League match on the Asian continent.
- The match at Almaty’s Ortalyq/Estadio Central kicks off Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. in Peru (6:45 p.m. in Spain) with live coverage on ESPN and Disney+, and on Movistar Liga de Campeones in Spain.
- Alonso said the derby loss “hurt” but insisted the team is now “in mode Champions,” stressing analysis over excuses and adaptation to travel.
- Valverde acknowledged frustration and said attitude “is not negotiable,” as Real weigh solutions with Dani Carvajal out about a month and Éder Militao left off the trip.
- Hosts Kairat lead their domestic league and are noted for set-piece strength despite a 4-1 opening defeat to Sporting, while Atlético Madrid host Eintracht Frankfurt later Tuesday in another Matchday 2 fixture shown by ESPN/Disney+ in South America.