The Champions League was like a balm. They traveled over 6,400 kilometers to Almaty to seek redemption after the derby.

This is the European Cup, but it's also a good opportunity to rotate the squad. Kairat, theoretically the easiest opponent among the eight teams that the computer has drawn for Real Madrid, appears as a "scapegoat" after the derby disaster .

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Real Madrid want to vent their anger after the derby. Photo: EFE

Besides the defeat, the derby also dealt Real Madrid another blow to their already makeshift defense under Xabi Alonso. Eder Militao, suffering a serious left ankle injury, did not travel with the team to Kazakhstan.

Without Rudiger, and with Alaba's form still questionable (having only played 10 minutes of official play this season), Raul Asencio was given another chance alongside Dean Huijsen - who had just come back down to earth when facing Atletico's attack.

Not only that, Dani Carvajal was another victim in the Madrid derby (he was also suspended for this Champions League match), while Trent Alexander-Arnold was still receiving medical treatment.

Therefore, Fede Valverde had to fill the right-back position, which he himself admitted he "wasn't born to play" in the pre-match press conference. On the left flank, the opportunity went to Fran Garcia.

In midfield and attack, Xabi Alonso has more space to maneuver. Tchouameni's presence is the only certainty, while Camavinga and Dani Ceballos are competing for a place.