Dominant Display in Almaty
Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance in Kazakhstan, defeating Kairat Almaty 5-0 in their UEFA Champions League group-stage clash on September 30. French superstar Kylian Mbappé stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, while Rodrygo provided three assists, orchestrating Real’s attacking dominance.
Despite the heavy defeat, 18-year-old Kairat goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza earned widespread acclaim for his valiant efforts against the Spanish giants, making a series of world-class saves that kept the scoreline respectable in the first half.
Record Crowd Witnesses High-Stakes Match
The match at Almaty’s Central Stadium drew near-capacity crowds, with 99% of the 23,800-seat venue filled. Around 5,000 fans traveled from Spain, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, with several thousand left outside due to overcrowding. In a creative solution, a local mobile operator allowed ten subscribers an elevated view from a nearby apartment balcony.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso fielded his full-strength squad, contrary to expectations of a reserve lineup, setting the tone for a dominant night.
Early Resistance from Kairat
Kairat almost shocked the visitors early when Dastan Satpayev, on loan from Chelsea, forced a reflex save from Thibaut Courtois with a powerful header. However, Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute, and Real quickly asserted control.
The second half showcased Real’s firepower, with Mbappé completing his hat-trick and Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz adding goals, both assisted by Rodrygo. Kairat briefly appeared to have a lifeline when Valery Gromyko earned a penalty in the 67th minute, but VAR overturned the decision.
Praise for Kairat and Key Performers
Alonso lauded Kairat’s performance: “This team deserves to play in the Champions League. The atmosphere was incredible. I wish Kairat all the best.” Head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin acknowledged the gap in quality: “We are in different weight categories. But we gained invaluable experience playing at such speed.”
Standout performers included Mbappé with his three goals, Rodrygo with three assists, and Kalmurza, whose heroics earned him a massive boost on social media, doubling his Instagram following overnight.
Dani Ceballos Impresses in Midfield
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, who had considered leaving for Marseille, stayed and delivered a commanding performance against Kairat. Completing 101 of 106 passes, he provided precision and control in midfield, emerging as a key creative option for Alonso. While not yet a guaranteed starter, his performance highlights his growing importance in Real’s tactical setup.
Takeaway
Real Madrid’s 5-0 win underscores their Champions League credentials, with Mbappé in scintillating form and midfielders like Ceballos providing control and creativity. For Kairat, the match offered invaluable experience, while young goalkeeper Kalmurza emerged as a bright prospect for the future.
