Vinicius Júnior – Foto: X.com/ Real Madrid C.F.
Vini Jr takes the captain’s armband for Real Madrid this Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in the match against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan. The game kicks off at 1:45 PM Brasília time at Almaty’s Central Stadium, valid for the second round of the 2025/26 Champions League league phase. The Spanish team aims for their second consecutive victory in the European competition after defeating Olympique de Marseille 2-1 in their opener.
The clash marks Kairat’s debut in the Champions League main phase, while Real Madrid, coached by Xabi Alonso, faces a first-time opponent over 6,000 kilometers from Madrid. Vini Jr’s selection as captain reflects his growing prominence in the squad, marking his third time leading the team this season.
Real Madrid’s lineup features Courtois in goal, with Asencio, Huijsen, Alaba, and Fran García in defense. In midfield, Tchouaméni and Ceballos orchestrate play alongside Arda Güler, while Vini Jr, Mastantuono, and Mbappé form the attack.
- Key absences: Éder Militão, Carvajal, Rüdiger, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all sidelined by injuries.
- Offensive highlights: Mbappé with 10 goals in eight games this season.
- Expectation: Real Madrid in a 4-3-3 formation for quick transitions.
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— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 30, 2025
Vini Jr’s history with the armband
Vini Jr first wore the captain’s armband in February 2025, during a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal. The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has 127 goals and 86 assists in 414 career matches.
Leading in the Champions League is a milestone for the former Flamengo player, who has captained in friendlies and official matches under Ancelotti and now Alonso.
Real Madrid’s lineup for the challenge
The Merengues adopt a 4-3-3 setup, prioritizing possession and pace on the flanks. Courtois provides goalkeeping stability, while Huijsen and Alaba aim to solidify the defense after a 5-2 loss in the Madrid Derby.
In midfield, Tchouaméni brings vision, supported by Ceballos’ distribution. The attack relies on Vini Jr for creativity, with Mbappé finishing and Mastantuono adding youthful flair.
Alonso rotated the squad to manage fatigue amid a packed Spanish and European schedule.
Kairat Almaty as a European newcomer
Founded in 1954, Kairat won the 2024 Kazakh Championship and qualified for the Champions League for the first time. The Almaty club, with a 25,000-seat stadium, faces its biggest test yet.
Coached by Rafael Urazbakhtin, Kairat lost 4-1 to Sporting in their European debut but beat Jenis 3-1 in the domestic league. Their defense concedes an average of 1.6 goals per game recently.
The squad includes four Brazilians, like striker Ricardinho, who scored in the European opener and expressed admiration for Vini Jr.
Kairat’s 4-2-3-1 setup emphasizes tactical discipline to counter the opponent’s attack.
Preparation and travel logistics
Real Madrid arrived in Almaty Sunday night after an eight-hour flight. The team adapted to the time zone with light training on Monday to maintain rhythm.
Xabi Alonso stressed focus despite the 6,400-kilometer distance from Madrid. The squad conducted a pitch walk-through at the Central Stadium, smaller than the Bernabéu.
- Training focus: Quick transitions and finishing.
- Adaptation: Recovery sessions for jet lag.
- Motivation: Second win to secure points in the league phase.
The match draws global attention, broadcast in Brazil on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with an expected full house in Kazakhstan.
Tactical expectations for the clash
Alonso plans to exploit gaps in Kairat’s defense, which conceded four goals in their debut. Vini Jr, with a 33% dribble success rate this season, will operate on the left wing to unsettle the opposition.
Kairat relies on counterattacks, with Satpaev as the focal point up top. Urazbakhtin praised the opponent’s structure, likening it to South American leagues.
The game tests Real Madrid’s squad depth, with Bellingham and Valverde as second-half options.
Individual standout performers
Mbappé arrives with 10 goals in eight games, forming a lethal duo with Vini Jr. The Frenchman has outmaneuvered goalkeepers in key moments and seeks his first Champions League goal of 2025/26.
Arda Güler, 20, earns space in midfield with precise passing. For Kairat, 17-year-old Satpaev, dubbed the “Kazakh Lamine,” has 10 domestic league goals.
These players set the tempo in a matchup of tradition versus novelty.
Real Madrid holds three points in the standings, while Kairat aims for their first. Kickoff is imminent, officiated by Marco Guida.
