Chelsea in Almaty: Freezing cold, taxis across the border and a meeting with Mongolian Blues

Subtitle: Fans Brave Extreme Cold for UEFA Conference League Match

Chelsea faced Astana in Almaty, Kazakhstan in a UEFA Conference League match, marking the London club’s most distant European tie ever. The game took place in sub-zero temperatures, with the mercury dipping to -12°C as night fell.

Around 450 Chelsea supporters made the 3,485-mile journey to Central Asia. Many endured complex multi-flight itineraries and lengthy overland travel to reach the match. Some fans traveled from as far as India and Mongolia to attend.

The extreme cold posed a significant challenge for traveling supporters. Multiple layers of clothing provided little protection against the bone-chilling temperatures. Fans struggled to stay warm in the snow-covered away section of the stadium.

Despite the harsh conditions, Chelsea supporters created a lively atmosphere. The away end erupted in familiar chants before kickoff, with local Kazakh fans joining in enthusiastically.

The match attracted over 20,000 spectators to Almaty’s Central Stadium. Many local supporters expressed their long-standing affinity for Chelsea, dating back to the club’s previous ownership.

Chelsea secured their fifth straight UEFA Conference League victory with a strong first-half performance. However, for many traveling fans, the remarkable journey and unique experience overshadowed the on-field action.

The club presented commemorative keychains to the traveling supporters, recognizing the extraordinary distance covered for the match. For many, this freezing football pilgrimage will likely remain an unforgettable adventure.