Preview and odds analysis for Kairat Almaty vs Pafos at 23:45 on October 21, Champions League qualifying round

Preview and odds for Kairat Almaty vs Pafos (23:45, 21/10). Predictions, expected lineups, and expert analysis for the match between Kairat Almaty and Pafos in the Champions League qualifying round.

Match preview for Kairat Almaty vs Pafos

90-minute odds: 0 : 0

Total goals line: 2 1/4

Kairat Almaty is facing difficulties in the Champions League, suffering heavy defeats in both opening matches: 1-4 to Sporting Lisbon and 0-5 to Real Madrid (Mbappe scored a hat-trick). The difference in class compared to Europe's top clubs is clear, but this home fixture offers the best chance for coach Rafael Urazbakhtin’s side to make an impression. Kairat leads the Kazakhstan Premier League with 58 points from 25 games (18 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses), nearly securing the championship again. Their stable domestic form, including a recent 1-0 victory, gives them confidence against Pafos, despite it being their first time in the Champions League group stage. The Almaty Central Stadium is a stronghold, but a weak defense (9 goals conceded in 2 matches) is a big concern.

Pafos, champions of the Cypriot First Division, are also making their Champions League group stage debut. Under coach Juan Carlos Carcedo, they lead their domestic league with 18 points from 7 matches (6 wins, 1 loss, 16 goals scored, 4 conceded). In Europe, Pafos have earned 1 point from two games: a 0-0 draw with Olympiakos (despite the opponent playing with a man down) and a 1-5 loss to Bayern Munich. A 4-0 domestic win last weekend boosted their confidence, but their attack remains goalless in the Champions League. Having reached the Europa Conference League round of 16 last season, they aim for a positive result.

Both teams are "rookies" in the Champions League and eager to gain their first points. Kairat has the home advantage, but Pafos has a more solid defense. The match is expected to be tight, low scoring, and could end in a draw.