Hat-trick in CL gala

LIVE: Alaba in Real’s starting eleven against Kairat!

Kylian Mbappé and David Alaba celebrate one of Real Madrid's five goals against Kairat Almaty ...(Bild: AFP/VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO)

David Alaba enjoyed a resounding victory on his season debut in the Real Madrid starting eleven! With the ÖFB team captain in central defense, the "royals" fulfilled the mandatory task of Kairat Almaty in the second game of the league phase of the Champions League with flying colors, winning 5:0 (1:0) in Kazakhstan. After his penalty double in the opening 2:1 against Olympique Marseille, star striker Kylian Mbappé scored three times this time (25th penalty, 52nd, 74th).

After scoring twice from the penalty spot against Marseille, the Frenchman once again kept his nerve from the spot. Goalkeeper Sherhan Kalmurza had previously brought down Franco Mastantuono. After the changeover, Mbappé raced towards the Almaty goal after a long Courtois clearance and once again gave the goalkeeper no chance of defending. He set up his third goal himself and then finished into the corner from the edge of the box.

Mbappé now has 60 CL goals
The 26-year-old already has 13 goals after nine competitive matches this season. In the Champions League, Mbappe has scored a total of 60 goals, putting him ahead of Thomas Müller in the all-time rankings to become the sole number six. Eduardo Camavinga (83rd) and Brahim Diaz (93rd) then also scored. The superior class of a team with a market value of 1.4 billion euros compared to the underdogs valued at 12.73 million was evident. However, the hosts deserved a consolation goal, especially in the early stages, but also in one phase after the break.

Alaba's first game from the start since April 23
Alaba benefited from the absences of defenders Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 33-year-old formed the central defense with Dean Huijsen, who was not the focal point. It was the first game from the start since the 1-0 win over Getafe in the league on April 23 for the Viennese, who had only made two brief appearances in the league this season. It was the first time he had played the full distance since the Cup semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad on April 1. That will also please ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick in view of the upcoming matches in the World Cup qualifiers.

While Real showed a positive reaction after losing the league derby 5-2 at Atletico on Saturday, Atalanta Bergamo ended Club Brugge's run of European success. After trailing 1-0, the Italians turned the game around with a late double strike.