Real Madrid is all set to play their second UCL match against Kairat, a club from Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Spanish giants are going to face a formidable challenge in this away match, courtesy goes to weather conditions and travel time. To put it more precisely, Madrid of Spain, and Almaty of Kazakhstan are at two opposite ends of the world, presenting Real Madrid with a unique set of challenges in the field of Football.
Google Maps indicates that Almaty and Madrid are 6,437 kilometers apart. Central Asia is home to Kazakhstan, and Western Europe is home to Spain. Real Madrid traveled this distance in eight hours. According to Spanish media outlet Marca, Real Madrid's players and support staff had one of their worst days. However, another publication, Diario AS, has proposed that Real Madrid use this 30,000-foot ascent as therapy to get over their 5-2 setback. Real Madrid lost 5-2 to Atletico Madrid in La Liga on September 27. After this devastating defeat, they left for Kazakhstan 19 hours later.
On Sunday, September 28, Real Madrid players boarded their flight from Madrid's Barajas Airport. They departed at 1 PM local time. After eight hours, they landed at Almaty Airport in the middle of the night. The time they arrived was three hours ahead of Spanish time.
Almaty is the capital of Kazakhstan. The Chinese border is in close proximity to Almaty. A few hours' drive on the highway leads to the Chinese border. Never before in Champions League history has a match been played this far east. Consequently, while this match presents a challenge for Real Madrid, it has also etched its place in history.
This is the first time in their 71-year history that Kairat is playing in the Champions League. They lost their first match 4-1 to Sporting CP. Now, they face an even greater challenge. This match, therefore, promises to be enthralling. On one side, Real Madrid enters the fray after a defeat to Atletico Madrid, while on the other, Kairat steps into the match following a loss to Sporting CP.
