“Every Real Madrid Defeat Is Like A Balm For My Heart”- Says Arsenal Hero Arshavin

Arsenal cult hero Andrey Arshavin has made headlines once again after openly expressing his wish for Real Madrid to suffer defeat in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty. The Russian playmaker, who enjoyed a memorable spell at Arsenal, revealed that he has never hidden his dislike for the Spanish giants.Speaking to EFE from the Ortalyq Stadion, home of Kairat Almaty, Arshavin said he was fully backing the Kazakh club to upset the 14-time European champions. “I hope Kairat wins. Every Real Madrid defeat is like a balm for my heart,” he admitted, leaving no doubts about where his loyalties lie.

Kairat Almaty are debutants in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage, having shocked Scottish champions Celtic in the qualifiers to secure their place. Their presence has already captured the imagination of fans across Kazakhstan, and Arshavin, a former player for the club, is firmly standing behind them as they prepare to face one of football’s most iconic teams.

Arshavin is no stranger to Kairat, having joined the club in 2016 after his time in Russia. He went on to enjoy two successful years with the Kazakh side, winning two major honours before retiring in 2018. His ties to the club, combined with his long-standing admiration for Barcelona, have only strengthened his opposition to Real Madrid.

The former Arsenal forward has previously made his dislike for Los Blancos public. While at Arsenal, he was often linked with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabéu but rubbished such rumours, insisting that he was a lifelong Barcelona fan and would never wear the white of Madrid. His latest comments underline that old rivalry.

Real Madrid enter the clash as overwhelming favourites despite a difficult week in domestic football. Carlo Ancelotti’s men were humbled 5-2 by Atletico Madrid in their last La Liga outing, a result that raised eyebrows across Europe.

Nonetheless, they will see the game against Kairat as an opportunity to bounce back and regain momentum in the Champions League.Kairat, however, will be looking to make history. They fell 4-1 to Sporting Club in their opening group game, but with home advantage and the passionate backing of fans — including Arshavin himself — they hope to stage an upset.

While Madrid’s pedigree makes them favourites, the underdog spirit of Kairat ensures this clash will not lack drama.Would you like me to make this more neutral and report-style (like standard sports news), or keep the fan-driven rivalry tone highlighting Arshavin’s dislike for Real Madrid?