The Matchday 2 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Kairat (Kazakhstan) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on September 30 at the Central Stadium in Almaty. Kairat vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Kairat
Rafael Urazbakhtin's side suffered a 1-4 defeat away to Sporting in the previous round. Despite the opponent's clear advantage, the Kazakh team held on for a long time, but midway through the second half, Kairat conceded three goals in three minutes. Towards the end of the match, the club managed to score a consolation goal, ending a three-match goalless streak in the Champions League. It should be noted that the team has not won in four consecutive Champions League matches (2 draws, 2 losses).
- The Kazakh team has not conceded more than one goal in 7 of their last 9 matches in this tournament.
- At home in the Champions League, Kairat has not lost in their last six matches (5 wins, 1 draw).
- The team has scored in 5 of their last 6 home Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Kairat (4-3-3)
Sherkhan Kalmurza – Alexander Martynovich, Yegor Sorokin, Alexander Mrynsky, Yerkin Tapalov – Valery Gromyko, Ofri Arad, Luis Mata – Edmilson Filho, Jorginho Costa, Dastan Satpayev.
Goalkeepers Alexander Zarutsky and Temirlan Anarbekov, as well as midfielder Giorgi Zaria, are injured.
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe's brace against Marseille allowed the Spaniards to start the tournament with a victory (2-1), marking Real Madrid's 200th win in the Champions League. The Madrid side became the first team to reach this milestone. The previous Champions League campaign ended with a series of three defeats. It's important to note that the club has conceded in seven consecutive Champions League matches. However, the Spanish attack compensates for defensive issues, and Real Madrid also became the first team to reach 700 goals in the most prestigious European competition.
- Both teams scored in 5 of Real Madrid's last 7 Champions League matches.
- Away from home, the team has not drawn in their last 8 Champions League matches (4 wins, 4 losses).
- The club conceded first in 5 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-5-1)
Thibaut Courtois – Alvaro Carreras, Dean Heysen, Raul Asensio, Fran Garcia – Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius Junior – Kylian Mbappe.
Defenders Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy are injured. Defender Dani Carvajal is suspended and will also miss about a month due to injury.
Referee
Marco Guida (Italy)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 33;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 11%.
Match prediction for Kairat vs. Real Madrid
There is tremendous excitement in Kazakhstan surrounding this match. Kairat has never faced a team of this caliber in their history. The home fans will provide huge support, but this might be the only advantage Rafael Urazbakhtin's side can offer against their opponents. The difference in class is significant. However, I believe the Kazakh team is capable of delighting the fans with a goal. Despite all of Kairat's previous six home matches in the Champions League being in the qualifying stages, the club managed to score in five of them. The defense of their next opponent allows for opportunities.
Despite having stars in defense, Madrid has conceded in 14 of their last 15 Champions League matches. In the last tournament edition, Real Madrid kept a clean sheet only once, and only 4 of the 36 main stage participants did not have a single "clean" match. It's clear that the Spaniards rely on their attack, but a team of this level should have fewer defensive issues. One possible reason could be the frequent injuries to defenders, which they could not avoid in the upcoming game. It's worth adding that in the last La Liga round, Xabi Alonso's side conceded five goals.
The result does not weigh heavily on the Kazakh team, and even one goal scored would be a significant event. My prediction: Kairat Individual Total Over 0.5
