Exclusive with Edmilson, from Kairat Almaty, Real Madrid’s opponent: “Air and distance can favor us”
Kairat Almaty hosts Real Madrid this Tuesday (30th) in Kazakhstan for the second round of the Champions League league stage. This will be the first time in history that the Spanish club will play in the Eastern European country and will face natural and geographical obstacles for the match.
In an exclusive interview with Fellipe Perdigão for 365Scores Brazil, Kairat‘s striker, Edmilson, cited the air quality and the distance to play in Kazakhstan as possible factors that could favor the home team. Real Madrid had a journey of more than 6,000 kilometers to Almaty, already near the border with China. There, the Spanish club’s players will have to deal with air classified as “moderate,” due to the transition from summer to autumn. In winter, the city reports unhealthy levels due to pollution.
“They have world-class players, the biggest team in the world, the biggest champion of the competition. The issue here of the air being a little different, the distance, all of this can favor us,” said the Brazilian. “In a clash like this, where they are far superior, we have to use everything to be able to level the playing field. I know it’s very difficult, but we have to use all our resources to be able to have the strength to compete with them.”
Even with the natural and geographical difficulties, Real Madrid is the clear favorite for the match. The Brazilian Edmilson sees the chance of a Kairat victory as “minimal,” despite believing in the home-field advantage.
“There’s always a chance to win the game, but we know that our opponent has very high-quality players. The chance of winning is minimal, but we have to believe because in football everything is possible. We are going to play at home, so we have to impose our rhythm, intensity, and be effective when we have opportunities.”
In the Champions League league stage debut, Kairat Almaty lost to Sporting 4-1 in Lisbon. The Kazakh team’s only goal was scored by Edmilson, who only played for the modest Velo Clube, from Rio Claro (SP), in Brazilian football. At 28, he has made his career in Portuguese and Slovenian football.
See other answers from Edmilson, from Kairat Almaty
Fans’ expectations
“All the fans are excited, sending messages. Everyone is looking for tickets, it’s very difficult to find them, and it will be a historic game for the country and for our club. It’s the first time in the competition and facing a team like this. I hope we can come out with a positive result or even score a point at home.”
Will you swap shirts with any Real Madrid player?
“For me, any Brazilian player that I could swap shirts with to keep as a souvenir would be great, regardless of who it is, Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior, Eder Militão or Endrick. Let’s see if it will be possible, many players want to, the staff too, it’s crazy to get a souvenir like this, because it’s a unique game. I’ll do everything possible to swap with one of them.”
Players’ celebration at the draw
“The reason for the celebration was because everyone was motivated, since qualifying, to face Real Madrid. It’s the first time for many (Kairat players) in the competition and facing Real Madrid, it’s a new experience for our careers. We have to enjoy the game, this moment, and our preparation has been well done. Let’s see what can happen.”
As a child, did you ever imagine playing in the Champions League one day?
“Honestly, I already imagined playing in a Champions League. It’s a childhood dream. I knew it would be very difficult due to the difficulties in qualifying. I had been working hard for it and thank God I achieved it.”
“I also scored the first goal in the debut. The dream was realized, I scored the first goal and now we are looking for the first victory in the competition and to score more goals.”
