Check the official Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups, team news, injuries, and tactical preview ahead of their first-ever Champions League meeting. Full match predictions, head-to-head, and how to watch live.
Kairat vs Real Madrid Lineups, Preview, and Predictions
The much-anticipated Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups have become a central talking point ahead of the historic Champions League clash in Almaty. This marks the first time the Kazakh side will host the 15-time European champions, making it a landmark event in Kazakhstan’s football history.
Despite Real Madrid entering the match as heavy favorites, Kairat will look to make the most of home advantage at Ortalyq Stadion and test a Madrid side dealing with significant injury setbacks.
📌 Match Details
| Fixture | Kairat vs Real Madrid |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Champions League (Group Stage) |
| Venue | Ortalyq Stadion, Almaty (Kazakhstan) |
| Date | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:15 a.m. PT |
| Referee | Marco Guida (Italy) |
📌 Kairat Team News
Kairat face a daunting challenge heading into this fixture. Manager Rafael Urazbakhtin must deal with several injury absences:
- Élder Santana (ACL injury) – out until 2026.
- João Paulo (ACL injury) – long-term absentee.
- Temirlan Anarbekov & Giorgi Zaria – sidelined.
- Aleksandr Zarutsky – doubtful.
This leaves Kairat relying on young Sherkhan Kalmurza, just 18 years old, who may be handed his first Champions League start in goal. Up front, striker Dastan Satpayev will carry the burden of testing Real Madrid’s defense.
🟡 Kairat Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Kalmurza; Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata; Kassabulat, Arad; Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Gromyko; Satpaev
The Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups show just how stretched the Kazakh side is, relying on a mix of academy products and experienced veterans to keep balance.
📌 Real Madrid Team News
For Real Madrid, manager Xabi Alonso faces a defensive crisis. Following their derby defeat to Atlético, Madrid also lost Éder Militão (ankle injury) and Dani Carvajal (right leg issue). They join Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ferland Mendy on the sidelines.
This leaves Alonso with only five fit first-team defenders. He may push Fede Valverde or Raúl Asencio into makeshift defensive roles. The midfield will likely see rotation, with Eduardo Camavinga expected to start.
⚪ Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé
Even with rotation, the Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups highlight the gulf in talent. With Kylian Mbappé chasing Champions League records, Madrid will be eager to dominate.
📊 Head-to-Head and Form Guide
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Key Results |
|---|---|---|
| Kairat | W-L-W-W-D | Beat Zhenis 3–1, lost 4–1 to Sporting CP |
| Real Madrid | L-W-W-W-L | Beat Marseille 2–1, lost 5–2 to Atlético |
This is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, making the Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups historically significant.
📌 Tactical Analysis
🔹 Kairat’s Strategy
- Expect a compact low block with 4-2-3-1.
- Counter-attacks led by Satpayev and Jorginho.
- Heavy reliance on goalkeeper Kalmurza to withstand pressure.
🔹 Real Madrid’s Approach
- Alonso likely to rotate star players but still field Mbappé, Vinícius, and Güler.
- Midfield dominance expected through Camavinga and Tchouaméni.
- Defensive vulnerabilities due to injuries could give Kairat rare openings.
📌 Prediction: Kairat vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid enter as overwhelming favorites, even with injuries. Their attacking firepower and midfield depth should overwhelm Kairat.
Score Prediction:
- Kairat 0–3 Real Madrid
Madrid’s rotated squad should comfortably collect three points, while Kairat will aim to limit damage and gain valuable European experience.
📊 Lineups Comparison Table
| Position | Kairat Predicted XI | Real Madrid Predicted XI |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Kalmurza | Courtois |
| RB | Tapalov | Valverde |
| CB | Martynovich | Asencio |
| CB | Sorokin | Huijsen |
| LB | Mata | Fran García |
| CM | Kassabulat | Camavinga |
| CM | Arad | Tchouaméni |
| RW | Mrynskiy | Mastantuono |
| AM | Jorginho | Güler |
| LW | Gromyko | Vinícius Jr. |
| ST | Satpayev | Mbappé |
This Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups table shows the stark contrast between both squads’ experience and quality.
📌 How to Watch Kairat vs Real Madrid
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| United States | Paramount+, TUDN, Univision NOW |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports 2 |
| Canada | DAZN Canada, Prime Video |
| Mexico | Max Mexico, Prime Video, TNT Sports |
📌 Conclusion
The Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups highlight a David vs Goliath clash. While Kairat dream of shocking the football world, Madrid’s depth and star power remain unmatched. This historic encounter is less about the result and more about Kazakhstan hosting one of football’s giants for the very first time.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What are the Kairat vs Real Madrid lineups?
A1: Kairat will likely start with Kalmurza in goal, while Madrid’s XI features Mbappé, Vinícius, and Courtois despite defensive injuries.
Q2: Where is Kairat vs Real Madrid being played?
A2: At Ortalyq Stadion in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Q3: Who is injured for Real Madrid?
A3: Militão, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alexander-Arnold, and Mendy are all unavailable.
Q4: Is this the first meeting between Kairat and Real Madrid?
A4: Yes, this is their first-ever Champions League encounter.
Q5: What is the predicted score?
A5: Real Madrid are expected to win 3–0 against Kairat.