ALMATY : Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso urged his side to shift focus to their Champions League campaign as they prepare to face debutants Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, days after a humbling 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.

Alonso found himself fielding questions in what may be the most remote press conference in Champions League history on Monday in Almaty - 6,441 kilometres from Madrid and the easternmost city ever to host a game in the competition.

The Real Madrid coach faced a room packed with local media seizing the unique opportunity to host the record 15-times European Cup winners.

Saturday's loss at the Metropolitano was Real's first defeat to their city rivals since January 2024 and the first time they had conceded five goals to Atletico in 75 years.

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