Real Madrid faces a 'nightmare' in the 2025/26 Champions League

Real Madrid finds itself in the “group of death” for the 2025/26 Champions League, matched against Liverpool, Man City, Juventus, and especially a distant away match in Kazakhstan against Kairat Almaty.

On the evening of August 28 (Vietnam time), the group stage draw of the 2025/26 Champions League officially took place in Monaco. The result handed Real Madrid what is considered one of the toughest paths, being grouped with three giants Liverpool, Manchester City, and Juventus, while also facing the longest travel in the competition to Kazakhstan for an away game against Kairat Almaty.

A record-breaking journey to Kazakhstan

The flight to Kairat Almaty's stadium is regarded as a “nightmare” for Real, covering nearly 6,500 km, making it the farthest destination in Champions League history. This is also the first time a club located near the Chinese border participates in this prestigious tournament, turning the trip to Kazakhstan into a challenge not only due to the opponent but also because of physical demands and scheduling.

Kairat caused a major upset by eliminating Dynamo Kyiv and Celtic in the qualifiers, with 17-year-old star Satpaev (a talent recently signed by Chelsea) standing out. Additionally, the Kazakh team boasts quality foreign players from Brazil and Portugal like Edmilson, Elder Santana, and João Paulo. Their defense is led by veteran Aleksandr Martynovich, while goalkeeper Anarbekov is renowned for his penalty-saving skills, especially during the Celtic knockout.

Last season, Real Madrid was stopped at the quarterfinals, but their goal this year is clear: to win their 16th Champions League title. However, with a group full of strong adversaries and a tough journey to Kazakhstan, “Los Blancos” are expected to face the harshest challenges on their path to reaffirming their status as Europe’s kings.

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The team celebrated as if they had won the Champions League after drawing Real Madrid in the C1 group stage Kairat Almaty players watched the 2025/26 Champions League group stage draw attentively, all jumping up in celebration upon learning their opponent would be Real Madrid. See more