Kairat defender Sorokin says Inter is his favorite team ahead of clash

Yegor Sorokin’s emotions after winning the 2025 Kazakhstan Premier League / Photo: FC Kairat Press Service

On Nov. 5, Kairat Almaty will face Inter Milan in matchday four of the UEFA Champions League. Yegor Sorokin, defender of the Kazakhstani club, shared his expectations for the upcoming match.

The 30-year-old footballer said that Kairat is approaching the game in high spirits after winning the domestic Kazakhstan Premier League title.

«We won the tournament, and after several days of rest, immediately resumed training for a match against Inter. We aren’t doing anything special — this is the same training process as before any match: first theory, then practice on the pitch,» Sorokin told Italian sports media outlet Tuttomercatoweb.

He noted that Kairat faces a very tough match. According to Sorokin, the team must stay focused for all 90 minutes, wait for the right opportunity, and make the most of it.

«Inter is history; it is a flag of Italy. We will do everything we can to achieve a positive result. We know it will be tough, but it’s important to wait for the right opportunity and make the most of it,» emphasized the Kairat defender.

Sorokin added that Kairat’s strength lies in unity, discipline, and the ability to transition quickly to attack. The footballer believes these very traits were crucial for the club to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Sorokin also admitted that he has been an Inter fan since childhood, making the upcoming match truly special for him.

«Playing at San Siro in the Champions League against my favorite team will truly be an exceptional day for me — a dream come true,» the footballer said.

After three matchdays in the 2025-26 Champions League, Kairat sits 34th out of 36 with one point. The Almaty club suffered heavy defeats against Portuguese Sporting (1-4) and Real Madrid (0-5) and drew with Cypriot Pafos (0-0).

In contrast, Inter sits third with three wins from three matches, earning nine points. The Milanese team consecutively defeated Ajax (2-0), Slavia Praha (3-0) and Union Saint-Gilloise (4-0).