Lifestyle

Real Madrid mania hits Almaty: Fans beg for janitor jobs to see historic match

Kairat, Real, stadium, fans, Almaty
Image generated by a neural network, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

A historic match for Kazakhstan kicks off tomorrow, Sept. 30, 2025, as Almaty’s Kairat faces Real Madrid. Kursiv LifeStyle reports on the creative and desperate ways fans without tickets try to watch.

Some supporters have attempted to get into Central Stadium «from the inside.» The stadium’s official website recently listed two job openings: a groundskeeper and a facilities cleaner. But as one Kazakh blogger discovered, landing a one-day job just to slip inside isn’t possible, even for those willing to work for free.

@sakoyashi__ #кайратреал #реалмадрид #кайрат ♬ оригинальный звук – sakoyashi__

If these efforts fall short, watching from above becomes the next best option. Clear views of the field are provided by several nearby business centers and residential buildings.

This surge has opened opportunities for local businesses. Some companies rent cranes, offering fans what they call «the best views» of the game. A two-hour rental costs about $147.

Meanwhile, Almaty bars are expected to be packed, with match broadcasts drawing crowds beyond stadium capacity.

Real Madrid CF arrived in Almaty yesterday, covering nearly 7,000 kilometers and seven hours in the air.