Kairat Almaty vs Anderlecht

Kairat Almaty host Anderlecht at their Ortalyq stadıon home on Thursday evening in the first leg of their 2026-27 UEFA Europa League play-off round tie. The winner over two legs advances to the league phase, while the defeated side drops into the Conference League league phase.

Kairat enter this fixture after dropping down from Champions League qualifying, where they fell to a 2-0 aggregate defeat against a Bulgarian side in the third round. They will look to make their 26,242-capacity home in Almaty a fortress as they aim to return to winning ways on the European stage.

Anderlecht arrive in Kazakhstan in buoyant form, unbeaten across their last five outings in all competitions. The Belgian side overcame PAOK 4-2 on aggregate in the previous round and have scored 10 goals across their four Europa League qualifying ties so far this season.

Team News and Injury Latest

Anderlecht head coach Bruno will be without several squad members for the long trip east. Defender Ilay Camara and Lucas Hey are ruled out with pre-season injuries, while Killian Sardella and Mario Stroeykens are fitness doubts for the contest. The Belgian side has also lost Thorgan Hazard, who returned to Lens after scoring 15 goals last term.

The visitors are set to be led in attack by Serbian striker Mihajlo Cvetkovic, who has already found the net in both of Anderlecht’s Europa League qualifying ties this campaign. Colin Coosemans is expected to continue in goal behind a back four of Ali Maamar, Giulian Biancone, Leo Petrot, and Ludwig Augustinsson.