ALMATI, Kazakhstan (AP) – Real Madrid will make a long, unprecedented trip to Kazakhstan to face Carat Almati in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Kazakhstan joined UEFA in 2002 and previously competed in the Asian Football Union. Although the western part of Kazakhstan is a part of Europe geographically, Madrid (a record 15 European champion) travels to the eastern capital, about 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) from the Spanish capital.
“You have to adapt, it’s not a question of whether travel cares about you or not,” said coach Xabi Alonso in Madrid. “It’s just another game, and travel is not a hindrance or an excuse.”
Madrid, who beat Marseille 2-1 in the opening game, hopes to come back from Discipline 5-2 losses The team was the first loss of the season at LaLiga city rival Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Kairat lost his tournament debut at Sports Lisbon 4-1, but has a strong European record at home with just four losses in his final 30 matches at Almaty.
Bayern Munich will visit Paphos in Cyprus for another match against the tournament’s rookie.
Atletico is also playing, and Anthracht Frankfurt is visiting after throwing out a six-goal lead on Saturday in a 6-4 win over Borussia Menchenradbach.
Chelsea welcomes Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge Benfica. The Portuguese coach has two spells in charge of Chelsea, where he branded himself as “something special.”
Tottenham has already faced its way into the Arctic Circle bodyø/glimt – Win the Europa League semi-finals in May and return to Norwegian Champions’ first home game on the Champions League main stage.
In other games, Liverpool visits Galatasaray, Marseille hosts Ajax and Club Brugi visits Atalanta, Italy.
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