Kairat coach Urazbakhtin calls Real Madrid clash an invaluable experience
On Sept. 30, Real Madrid defeated Almaty’s Kairat with a stunning 5-0 score on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League. Kairat’s head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin commented on the game’s outcome.
He said the result directly reflects the gap between the teams’ levels. Kairat can only learn a lesson from this defeat and keep developing.
«What is there to comment on? We are in different weight classes. We have to accept this. We received invaluable experience against such a rival. It’s always upsetting to lose — this is hard for any team. We have to accept it,» Urazbakhtin said.
He emphasized that the team had never faced such a strong opponent as Real Madrid.
«This is a high-tier opponent. We handled one-on-one episodes easily. We have never played at such speeds. Cover is always needed. We tried to play in an organized way. The counterattacks were crazy!» Kairat’s coach said.
Three of the five goals were scored by Kylian Mbappé. Urazbakhtin believes the French player is currently the best in the world.
«This is a footballer on another level. Perhaps this is why he costs so much. Together with Mbappé, Real Madrid also has Vinícius, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham,» Championat.com cited Urazbakhtin as saying.
Despite the crushing defeat, the coach thanked his players for «demonstrating dedication, enthusiasm and desire.» He stressed that the players need recovery, after which the team will continue preparing for the three remaining matches in the Kazakhstan Premier League to defend their title as champions of Kazakhstan.
After the game, Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso noted that the team had been impressed by Kairat at the beginning of the match.
On matchday three, Kairat will play against Cypriot Pafos FC on Oct. 21 in Almaty. Real Madrid will face Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Oct. 22.
On matchday one, Kairat lost 4-1 to Portuguese Sporting. Real Madrid, in a home game at the Santiago Bernabéu, defeated Marseille 2-1 with a brace from Mbappé.
