Kairat Almaty vs Sutjeska Prediction – 08.07.2026

Kairat Almaty hosts Sutjeska at the Almaty Central Stadium in the first match of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. Last season, Kairat managed to qualify for the competition’s league phase, so they are motivated to repeat this achievement. Meanwhile, Sutjeska are travelling to Almaty as underdogs, but this could be their biggest advantage here.

Kairat Almaty vs Sutijeska in a game from the Champions League

Kairat Almaty vs Sutjeska Tips

  • Kairat to Win;
  • Sutjeska Under 1.5 Goals;
  • Over 2.5 Goals;

Kairat Almaty Preview and News

Last season, Kairat Almaty achieved the biggest success in their history when they reached the Champions League league phase. It’s true that they only won one point in 8 matches played – against Pafos, but being there was something that rewrote this club’s history.

Still coached by the 47-year-old manager Rafael Urazbakhtin, Kairat are huge favourites to eliminate Sutjeska and progress in the Champions League’s qualification. The Sary-Qaralar managed to reinforce their squad as well. The club signed the experienced Spanish striker Marc Gual – a player who used to play for clubs like Sevilla, Girona and Real Zaragoza.

One of Kairat’s biggest stars is the Portuguese striker Jorginho – a player who has been performing incredibly well since joining the team in 2025. The 28-year-old has to be kept under eye if Sutjeska want to stop Kairat.

Sutjeska Preview and News

Last season, Sutjeska won the league of Montenegro for a 6th time in their history. The Plavo-Bijeli will have their 6th campaign in the Champions League qualifiers, but their record is not very good – three draws and nine losses, no wins just yet.

Coached by Dejan Jelenic, Sutjeska do not have even one foreigner in their squad – all of their players are from Montenegro. Surely one of their best players is the striker Ivan Vukcevic, but keep an eye on the experienced midfielder Deni Hočko as well – a player who has some games for Montenegro’s national team as well.

From Sutjeska, we expect to see them accepting a defensive role during the trip to Almaty. Jelenic’s team will try to take advantage of counterattacks, but it’s going to be hard against Kairat’s attacking potential.

Head-to-Head Matches

This is going to be the first time that Kairat Almaty and Sutjeska face each other in an official game. There are no previous meetings.

Kairat Almaty vs Sutjeska Betting Preview

Kairat Almaty are ready to use their home advantage against Sutjeska in the Champions League qualifiers. The Sary-Qaralar are approaching this game with huge confidence – they played in the Champions League league phase last season, which put them on the football map in Europe. It’s going to be difficult for the Balkan side in Almaty – Sutjeska have to be very disciplined tactically and not let Kairat have any free space to use.

We believe Kairat Almaty are in a great position to chase the win here, which would give them an advantage before the second leg. Sutjeska have to be ready for a difficult game, but there’s never nothing easy in the Champions League – even the qualifiers.