Real Madrid embarks on a historic journey to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Kazakhstan joined UEFA in 2002 after previously competing in the Asian Football Confederation. While the country’s western region lies in Europe, Madrid – a record 15-time European champion – travels nearly 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) east to the nation’s capital.
“You have to adapt. The trip is not an excuse or a hindrance,” Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said. “It’s just another game.”
Madrid, which opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over Marseille, aims to recover from a 5-2 defeat against city rival Atlético Madrid on Saturday, marking their first loss of the season.
Kairat, who lost 4-1 to Sporting Lisbon in their tournament debut, boast a strong home record in Europe, with just four defeats in their last 30 matches in Almaty.
Elsewhere in the Champions League, Bayern Munich visits Pafos in Cyprus, Atlético Madrid faces Eintracht Frankfurt, and Chelsea hosts José Mourinho’s Benfica at Stamford Bridge. Tottenham returns to Norway to play Bodø/Glimt, while Liverpool travels to Galatasaray, Marseille welcomes Ajax, and Club Brugge faces Atalanta as Inter Milan hosts Slavia Prague in Italy.