FC Kairat fall to Anderlecht in Europa League playoff first leg

The match at the Central Stadium in Almaty ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for the visitors.

The hosts had a disastrous start. Just two minutes in, following a play in front of Kairat's box, goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov collided with an opponent, with the ball deflecting off Jaakko Oksanen into the net. The goal was ruled an own goal (0-1).

Having conceded the goal, the yellow-and-blacks tried to seize the initiative. Edmilson created one of the first dangerous chances, but his shot went over the bar.

Further, the game largely played out in midfield. On 24 minutes, a passing error from Gustavo allowed Anderlecht to launch a quick counterattack. Lukáš Ambros received the ball outside the box and fired a precise shot past the keeper to make it 0-2.

The hosts tried to respond quickly. On 27 minutes, Oiva Jukkola unleashed a dangerous shot, but the visitors' keeper parried it away for a corner. A few minutes later, Edmilson had another chance. However, his effort went straight into the goalkeeper's hands.

On 37 minutes, Kairat were reduced to ten players. Aleksandr Shirobokov made a heavy challenge on Danylo Sikan. The referee initially showed a yellow card, but after reviewing the VAR footage, changed his decision and sent the defender off.

Anderlecht capitalized on the numerical advantage before halftime. In stoppage time, Danylo Sikan rose highest to head home from a corner, making it 0-3.

Both teams continued to battle in the second half, with coaches making a series of substitutions, but the score remained unchanged. Anderlecht secured a commanding victory and took a major advantage into the return leg.

The second leg will take place on August 27 in Brussels.

As previously reported, Kairat is set for possible Champions League playoff against AEK.