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Tengrinews.kz – Luis Mata, defender of Almaty’s Kairat, shared his expectations ahead of the club’s historic home debut in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
“We are very excited to play against Real. Every Champions League match for Kairat is special, but facing the club with the most titles is truly historic. It’s a game I’ll remember 10–15 years from now when I talk about it with my kids. We want to make history. People in Almaty love football, and this match will be a celebration for them. Our fans will be inspired, and that will help Kairat,” Mata told Cadena SER.
This season marks Kairat’s first-ever participation in the Champions League. The team’s debut home match will take place on September 30 at 21:45 against Real Madrid at Almaty’s Central Stadium.
When asked if Real posed a bigger threat after their recent defeat, Mata replied:
“I think yes. When you win, you play with calm confidence. But after losing, Real always feels pressure. I expect them to come out strong against us.”
The Portuguese defender also admitted that if he could “exclude” one Madrid star from the squad, it would be Kylian Mbappé.
“He’s in fantastic form, very fast, technical, and lethal in attack. It will be tough to stop him. I know I’ll be up against one of their stars. With Carvajal or Alexander-Arnold unavailable, it might be Asensio. Whoever it is, it will be a huge challenge for me,” Mata said.
Earlier, Real Madrid announced the squad traveling to Almaty, where the team arrived overnight on September 28–29. Despite security measures, fans crowded the airport and even gathered outside the team’s hotel.
