Real Madrid embarks on the longest European journey in its history

Real Madrid have arrived in Kazakhstan to prepare for their Champions League match against Kairat Almaty next Tuesday. The trip, which took over ten hours, is the longest the club has ever undertaken in the competition. Real Madrid are looking to bounce back from their heavy 5-2 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga last Saturday, which saw them lose the lead in La Liga to Barcelona. The team began their European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. Upon arrival, the players underwent a mini-workout and recovery session, with the starters performing recovery drills in the gym, while the rest of the squad engaged in pressing and passing drills, followed by a tactical exercise on a small pitch. This is part of coach Xabi Alonso's plan to prepare the team for their quest to maintain their record of 15 Champions League titles.