The second leg of the first qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Kairat (Kazakhstan) and Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) will take place on July 15 at the Central Stadium in Almaty. The first match ended in a 1-1 draw. Kairat vs. Olimpija Ljubljana: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Kairat
Rafael Urazbakhtin's side managed to secure a draw in Slovenia. The result of the first match (1-1) was satisfactory for the Kazakhs, as they were outplayed in most aspects of the game, managing only one shot on target, which was successful. Now, to progress to the second qualifying round of the Champions League, Kairat needs a win at home. Notably, the team has played five matches in this European competition, suffering only one defeat (2 wins and 2 draws).
- Kairat's winless streak in regular time in European competitions stands at 9 matches (3 draws and 6 losses).
- The club has not scored more than 1 goal in 90 minutes in 6 of their last 7 European games.
- At home, Kairat has not lost in regular time in 8 of the last 11 European matches (5 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Kairat (5-3-2)
Alexander Zarutsky – Alexander Martynovich, Damir Kasabulat, Egor Sorokin, Erkin Tapalov, Luis Mata – Valery Gromyko, Dan Glazer, Yug Stanoev – Dastan Satpayev, Jorginho Costa.
Olimpija Ljubljana
Despite having the upper hand in the first leg, the Balkans only managed a draw. Now, the Slovenians need a win on the road. If the match is undecided after 90 minutes, extra time will be played. The team has not lost in 6 of their last 8 Champions League matches (3 wins and 3 draws).
- Olimpija has not tasted victory in European competitions for five consecutive matches – 3 draws and 2 losses in regular time.
- In their last six European matches, the Slovenians have not scored more than one goal in 90 minutes.
- The team has scored in regular time in 6 of their last 8 away European games.
Predicted lineup for Olimpija Ljubljana (4-3-3)
Gal Fink – Veljko Jelenkovic, Ahmet Muhamedbegovic, Alex Blanco, Diga – Diogo Costa Pinto, Peter Agba, Agustin Doffo – Dimitar Mitrovski, Alex Tamm, Marko Brest.
Referee
Matteo Marchetti (Italy)
Matches – 12 (Serie A, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 48;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 8%.
Match Prediction: Kairat vs. Olimpija Ljubljana
After the draw in the first leg, bookmakers slightly favor the Kazakhs. However, I believe the Balkans have a good chance of at least not losing in the return leg and possibly progressing further in the Champions League qualification. The Almaty side was fortunate to earn a draw in the first match, but in the second leg, the visitors will likely play defensively and catch the hosts on counterattacks.
Kairat has not impressed in European competitions, even at home. In their last four matches in the Conference League, the Kazakh club has suffered three losses and one draw. Meanwhile, the Slovenians have not lost in European competitions (including the Conference League) in 6 of their last 8 away matches (4 wins and 2 draws). Therefore, I suggest the prediction – "Olimpija Ljubljana to win or draw".
