“It’s another world”: Spanish media on Real Madrid’s trip to Almaty

Tengrinews.kz – Real Madrid’s arrival in Almaty ahead of their Champions League group stage clash with Kairat stunned the Spanish press, with media outlets highlighting the extraordinary welcome the team received in Kazakhstan.

Hours before the plane landed, hundreds of fans had already gathered outside Almaty airport, eager to see their idols. Spanish outlets described the reception as “madness.”

“Madness in Almaty during Real Madrid’s arrival! A huge police presence was deployed as crowds gathered to greet Los Blancos,” Marca reported.

“Hundreds of people came to meet Real Madrid in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Police had to intervene,” Diario AS noted.

“Pickaxe and shovel football”

Beyond sports headlines, major Spanish daily El Mundo explored the cultural differences through interviews with Spanish players who experienced Kazakh football firsthand.

Sito Riera, who played for Kairat between 2014 and 2016, recalled:

“When they made me the offer, I had to look at the map. It was very impressive and a real cultural shock. My family adapted, since my brother and I had always been restless, but it was still a shock.”

José Carrillo, 30, who joined Ulytau in February 2025, added:

“I knew it was far, but until you go yourself, you don’t realize how far. It’s a different culture, another world. You feel it in everyday life.”

Both players described Kazakh footballers as combative but lacking finesse.

“They consider themselves warriors, and it shows in their play. For them, football is running and fighting, with little control or importance placed on possession,” Carrillo said.

Riera agreed:

“They don’t have street football like Spaniards or Europeans do. Their character is that of a warrior — they achieve results with a pickaxe and shovel,” El Mundo quoted him.

For Real Madrid, the trip to Almaty marks the longest journey in Champions League history — nearly 8,000 kilometers.

The much-anticipated match between Kairat and Real Madrid will take place on September 30 at Central Stadium in Almaty.

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