Real sets an 'undesired' record in the Champions League

Real Madrid instantly created Champions League history during their visit to Kairat Almaty’s stadium in the tournament.

The second round of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage took place featuring many of Europe’s top clubs.

Among them, Real Madrid secured a resounding victory over Kairat Almaty, the team representing Kazakhstan. However, this match was not just about the scoreline; it also marked historic milestones for the Champions League.

These matches all entered the competition’s history books. Since its inception in 1992, when the Champions League was founded, 158 clubs from 34 countries have participated. Kairat hosting Real Madrid at the Ortalyq stadium in Pavlodar will become the match played at the easternmost location ever in Champions League and European Cup history.

This was the first encounter between the two teams, after Kairat won the 2024 Kazakhstan championship to qualify. Previously, their only European competition appearance was in the 2021/22 Europa Conference League, where they finished last in their group. A clip capturing Kairat players’ ecstatic reaction upon learning they would face Real Madrid, a club with 15 European titles, in their second Champions League match quickly went viral.

However, this was not the only match to set a geographical distance record. The away trip of Tottenham to Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra stadium also marked a milestone as the northernmost venue ever used in the tournament’s history.

The London club is no stranger to their opponent, having beaten Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in last season’s Europa League semifinals. After making history as the first Norwegian club to reach the European competition semifinals, Bodo/Glimt continued to impress by qualifying for the Champions League for the first time thanks to a 6-2 victory over Sturm Graz in the playoff round.

In that match, the Norwegian side lost a winning position against a higher-rated opponent. Bodo/Glimt led by two goals but defensive lapses in the final minutes cost them, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Related article

Winning by 5 goals, coach Alonso names Real Madrid’s current top player Coach Xabi Alonso praised Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid’s 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty, emphasizing the French star’s decisive influence in nearly every match. See more