The first match of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Kairat (Kazakhstan) and Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia) will take place on August 6 at the Central Stadium in Almaty. Kairat vs. Slovan Bratislava: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Kairat
Rafael Urazbakhtin's side surprised everyone in the previous qualification stage. In the first leg against KuPS, the Kazakh team lost 0-2 away, but they managed an impressive comeback in the return leg, winning 3-0. Notably, all three goals were scored before halftime. This marks the first time in Kairat's history that they have reached the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 8 Champions League matches (4 wins and 2 draws).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 7 of Kairat's last 8 games in this European competition.
- Kairat has only won in regular time at home in the Champions League – 5 victories.
Predicted lineup for Kairat (4-3-3)
Alexander Zarutsky – Alexander Martynovich, Damir Kasabulat, Yegor Sorokin, Luis Mata – Erkin Tapalov, Valery Gromyko, Ofri Arad – Edmilson Filho, Jorginho Costa, Dastan Satpayev.
Midfielder Giorgi Zaria is suspended for this match.
Slovan Bratislava
The Slovaks started this European season from the previous qualification stage and easily dealt with Zrinjski. At home, the team crushed their opponent 4-0, and then settled for a 2-2 draw in Bosnia. Interestingly, before facing the Balkan team, Bratislava had an 8-match losing streak in the Champions League, although this poor run occurred during the group stage of last season's European competition.
- At least 4 goals have been scored in Slovan's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Slovan's last 7 Champions League matches.
- The team is on an 8-match winless streak in regular time away from home in this European competition (4 draws and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Slovan Bratislava (4-2-3-1)
Dominik Takac – Guram Kashia, Kenan Bajric, Cesar Blackman, Sandro Cruz – Peter Pokorny, Rash Rahim Ibrahim – Vladimir Weiss, Marko Tolic, Tigran Barseghyan – Mykola Kuharevich.
Referee
Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 51;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 50%.
Kairat vs. Slovan Bratislava: Match Prediction
The team from Almaty has taken a step closer to their dream of reaching the main round of the Champions League. This was achieved thanks to the support of their fans in the return leg against KuPS and their persistence in attack. The club is strong at home in this European tournament, having won all five of their home games in the Champions League, scoring at least two goals in each.
Slovak clubs are rare guests in the autumn stage of the Champions League, but last season Bratislava managed to reach the main stage of this European competition. However, their stay in the elite was not pleasant – the team lost all 8 matches, conceding at least two goals in each. Overall, Slovan is not known for their defensive play, having conceded two or more goals in 10 of their last 11 Champions League matches. At the same time, the Slovaks rarely leave the field without scoring, having found the net in their last 7 matches in this tournament.
Considering all the above, my prediction is for Total over 2.5 goals.
