These Champions League nights are going to be a tough watch for Celtic from afar.
Let’s be honest, the one team’s name that will continue to haunt Celtic is Kairat Almaty, after they knocked the champions of Scotland out of competing in Europe’s elite competition in August.
Kairat have earned the luxury of competing alongside the best of the best in Europe, as the might of Real Madrid comes to town on Tuesday evening.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso mentioned Kairat’s two-legged win over Celtic ahead of his side’s trip to Kazakhstan.
Manager Xabi Alonso in a Real Madrid C.F. training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League fixture against Kairat Almaty.
Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso on Kairat Almaty beating Celtic in the Champions League
It’s going to be interesting to see how Kairat performs over the course of the league phase, because they lost their opening match 4-1 to Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon.
Remember, Celtic failed to score against Almaty over two legs, plus extra time, which gets more embarrassing the more it is talked about.
Speaking at his Real Madrid press conference, Alonso shared that he watched Kairat’s games against Celtic and Sporting, and he thinks they play some ‘slick stuff.’
“We’ve watched their games against Celtic and the one the other day against Sporting de Portugal,” shared Alonso.
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“They have a strong core and some different options in attack. They’re a direct outfit, they play some slick stuff and are clear in what they want to do. We’ll have to compete well.
“We’ve analysed the opposition, both collectively and individually. I didn’t know much about them before, but I am familiar with them now.
“They are in the Champions League, and they deserve to be there. The result the other day was a bit unusual, and tomorrow they’re playing at home, with all the emotion that brings, so we have to be prepared.”
Real Madrid face gruelling Kazakhstan trip
One of the things Celtic had to play for, and several teams, including Madrid, now have to experience this, is the gruelling trip to Kazakhstan.
Just like Celtic’s second leg clash, the game kicked off at 5:45 pm UK time, and the same will happen with Madrid.
Alonso was asked about that long-haul journey for his players, after getting thrashed by rivals Atletico at the weekend, and he doesn’t want it to be ‘annoying.’
“You have to adapt, and whether or not the trip is annoying isn’t something to consider,” added Alonso.
“We’ve changed our usual roadmap, but in football, the smartest ones are those who adapt best. It’s a game like any other, and the journey is not an impediment or an excuse.”