September 30, (THEWILL) — Real Madrid claimed their second consecutive UEFA Champions League victory under manager Xabi Alonso, defeating Karait 5-0 at Ortalyq Stadion in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The triumph came less than 24 hours after the Spanish side suffered a humiliating 5–2 loss to Atlético Madrid, forcing Alonso’s squad to rapidly refocus for the long journey to Central Asia. The 15-time European champions travelled over 4,000 miles to face the Kazakhstan Premier League outfit in their maiden meeting.
Despite entering the fixture as overwhelming favourites, Real Madrid struggled to impose themselves during the opening period. The hosts created several opportunities that tested goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and the visiting defence. Franco Mastantuono eventually won a penalty in the 25th minute following a reckless challenge from Karait goalkeeper, Sherkhan Kalmurza, which the referee had no choice but to award after the 18-year-old keeper brought down the Argentine winger during a dangerous run.
Kylian Mbappé converted the spot-kick to register his 11th goal of the campaign and give his side a slender advantage at the interval. The French forward doubled the lead shortly before the hour mark, latching onto a long clearance from Courtois and using his speed to beat the defence before chipping the ball over the onrushing keeper. Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute with a powerful right-footed strike, reaching his 60th UCL goal in the process.
Eduardo Camavinga added a fourth goal to become only the second Real Madrid player to find the net in this season’s European competition. Rodrygo provided assists for both Camavinga and Mbappé’s third goal after coming off the bench to influence the closing stages. Brahim Díaz capped the rout with a stoppage-time finish, ensuring the visitors returned home with a comprehensive victory.
The result maintains Real Madrid’s perfect record in Europe under their new manager. Alonso will hope the dominant display helps his team recover confidence following the disappointing derby defeat, with the side now firmly in control of their UCL group after two matches.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
