While Chelsea got their Champions League campaign back on track with a narrow win over Benfica, one of their most promising wonderkids was getting more European experience under his belt.
Dastan Satpaev is currently starting for Kairat Almaty, after Chelsea spent a record fee for a player from the Kazakhstan league to join them next summer.
Satpaev scored some big goals to qualify for the competition, however they came up way short in their opening game against Geovany Quenda’s Sporting Lisbon.
This time around though he was faced with the prospect of trying to get a result against European giants Real Madrid, who eventually ran out 5-0 winners.
Sporting Clube de Portugal v FC Kairat Almaty - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Chelsea wonderkid Dastan Satpaev impresses in Champions League vs Real Madrid
The teenager had a great chance to score just 10 seconds into a game, however his header was saved by former Blue Thibaut Courtois.
Steve McManaman was getting his first viewing of the striker, and despite them being under immense pressure he came in for praise for his individual performance.
He said during commentary for TNT Sports: “Looks busy, looks quick. Certainly can see why he’s a crowd favourite.“
Satpaev will not have the opportunity to face Chelsea during this Champions League group stage, however the final game of their eight will see him make his debut on English soil when he lines up against Arsenal.
FC Kairat Almaty v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
Photo by Neville Hopwood – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Sky is the limit for Satpaev
Despite being one for the future, Satpaev already has plenty of goals to his name in the league this season, as well as playing a key role as to why they are currently in the Champions League.
Chelsea think they’ve found a gem in Satpaev, who has already established himself as a regular for the Kazakhstan national team at the age of just 17.
He impressed in a recent international fixture against Belgium, with Jeremy Doku praising Satpaev despite the Red Devils’ commanding victory.
It remains to be seen if he will be loaned out when he arrives, but there are big hopes at Chelsea that he is going to be a star in the coming years.