Champions League Reality Check: Celtic Left Watching as Kairat Almaty Host Real Madrid
These Champions League nights are proving tough for Celtic fans, especially with the lingering memory of their shock exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty in August. The Kazakh side denied the Scottish champions a place among Europe’s elite, and now they get the privilege of welcoming Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
Ahead of the clash, Madrid boss Xabi Alonso reflected on Kairat’s upset over Celtic, admitting he has studied their games against both Celtic and Sporting Lisbon. Despite Kairat’s 4-1 defeat to Sporting in their opener, Alonso praised their style of play.
“They’re a direct outfit, they play some slick football and are very clear in their approach,” Alonso said. “We’ve analysed them collectively and individually. They deserve to be in the Champions League, and tomorrow they’ll have all the emotion of playing at home.”
Just like Celtic earlier this season, Madrid must deal with the gruelling trip to Kazakhstan, with Tuesday’s game also kicking off at 5:45 pm UK time.
Coming off a bruising derby defeat to Atletico, Alonso downplayed concerns over the long journey:
“You have to adapt. The smartest players are the ones who adapt best. The trip isn’t an excuse—it’s a game like any other.”
For Celtic, the sight of Kairat on this stage will be a painful reminder of what could have been, while for Madrid it’s another test of resilience on the road to Europe’s knockout rounds.
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