Overview
Kairat failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season after suffering two 0-1 defeats to Levski Sofia in the third qualifying round. This result closed the qualifying journey that was a fairly favorable start for the champion Kazakhstan.
Kairat defeated Sutjeska Niksic with a total score of 4-1, winning 2-1 at home before defeating their opponent 2-0 in the second leg. In the next round, they had to go through a tense confrontation with Omonia Nicosia.
After losing 0-1 in the first leg in Cyprus, Kairat equalized thanks to Edmilson's header in the 38th minute in the second leg, thereby taking the confrontation into extra time. In the end, the Kazakhstan team won 6-5 in the penalty shootout after Omonia had only 9 players left.
However, Kairat could not maintain his form against Levski. Serginho scored in the second half to help the Bulgarian team win 1-0 in the first leg in Sofia.
A week later, Reinaldo continued to make it difficult for Kairat when he headed in a goal in the 13th minute, helping Levski lead 1-0 in the second leg and win 2-0 overall. Notably, the second leg had to take place away from home because Kairat's home ground coincided with Kanye West's concert schedule.
The defeat against Levski forces Kairat to play in the Europa League. In the play-off round, they will meet Anderlecht, a team that is on a fairly favorable journey in this arena.
Anderlecht won both previous qualifiers under the guidance of Vitor Bruno. In the second qualifying round, the Belgian team drew 1-1 at Hammarby before winning 3-1 at Lotto Park, thereby advancing with a total score of 4-2.
In the third qualifying round, Anderlecht faced PAOK. They won 1-0 away at Thessaloniki, then defeated the opponent 3-2 in the second leg. This result helped Anderlecht overcome PAOK with a total score of 4-2 and qualified for the play-offs.
Danylo Sikan and Mihajlo Cvetkovic are prominent players in Anderlecht's attack. Both scored in matches against Hammarby and PAOK, making an important contribution to the journey through the two qualifying rounds.
Anderlecht will be guests at Kairat Stadium in Almaty before returning to Lotto Park to play the second leg. The winning team after two legs will qualify for the Europa League group stage.
Personnel situation
Coach Rafael Urazbakhtin does not have any more personnel problems as Kairat is preparing to welcome Anderlecht. The whole team did not have any new injuries after the 0-2 defeat to Levski Sofia in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Edmilson may return to the starting lineup after not starting in the second leg against Levski. This striker just scored in the match against Ulytau last weekend.
On Anderlecht's side, coach Vitor Bruno still has some problems with the force. Ilay Camara and Lucas Hey are absent due to foot injuries from the pre-season period. Killian Sardella is not sure to be able to play as he is recovering from muscle injury surgery, while Mario Stroeykens' ability to play is also uncertain.
Expected lineup:
Anarbekov, Kasabulat, Shirobokov, Africo, Mata, Baibek, Oksanen, Mrynskiy, Mendonca, Jukkola, Gual.
Coosemans, Ndiaye, Biancone, Petrot, Maamar, Llansana, M. Kana, Ambros, Russia Kana, Cvetkovic, Sikan.
The match between Kairat and Anderlecht takes place at 10:00 PM on August 20th (Vietnam time).
