Kairat vs Olympiacos H2H, prediction and probable lineups — December 9, 2025
In the sixth round of the UEFA Champions League main stage, Kairat will face Olympiacos. The clash is set for Tuesday, December 9, in Astana, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 Central European Time. I'm offering a prediction on the winner of this game.
Match preview
In 2025, Kairat cemented its status as one of Kazakhstan's football powerhouses by securing the national league title. The team enters international competition with plenty of confidence and a burning desire to prove it can compete on the European stage.
The 2025/26 season has been historic for the club in the Champions League: Kairat reached the main stage for the first time ever, having knocked out Celtic in the playoffs. This achievement brings new challenges—higher caliber opponents and invaluable international experience.
Domestically, the team has displayed consistency and strength, but in the Champions League, they've struggled so far. This has forced Kairat to play cautiously, relying on counterattacks and disciplined defending. So far, they’ve picked up just a single point from five matches.
The home game against Olympiacos will be a real test for the Kazakh champions: they’ll be eager to show they can compete with European heavyweights, hoping to capitalize on home support and a focus on defense.
The Greek side is traditionally among the leaders of their domestic league and boasts extensive European experience. In 2025/26, Olympiacos is competing in the Champions League main stage and is clearly ready to fight at the highest level.
However, their European results have been underwhelming so far: the team is still searching for its first win, with just two draws and three defeats to their name. Yet, their last match against Real (3-4) proved that the Greeks can’t be counted out just yet.
This situation brings added pressure, but it also motivates the players to give their all in encounters like this one against Kairat. Olympiacos features a potent attacking line, international pedigree, and a winner’s mentality—qualities that can help exploit Kairat’s weaknesses and claim points on the road.
Despite a lackluster Champions League campaign so far, the Greeks approach this fixture determined to notch their first victory. This would help Mendilibar’s men keep their hopes alive for a top-24 finish, with remaining group games against Bayer and Ajax.
Match facts
- Kairat have lost their last two matches.
- The Kazakh side are winless in their previous four outings.
- Olympiacos are on a three-match winning streak.
- The Greeks have scored in each of their last six away matches.
- Kairat average 1.1 goals per home game, while Olympiacos average 1.8 goals per away game.
Probable lineups
- Kairat: Anarbekov, Mrynskiy, Shirobokov, Sorokin, Mata, Gleizer, Kasabulat, Jorginho, Tapalov, Gromyko, Edmilson.
- Olympiacos: Dziolakis, Ortega, Pirola, Biancon, Rodinei, Hezze, Muzakitis, Martins, Strefezza, Yaremchuk, El Kaabi.
H2H
The teams have never faced each other before.
Prediction
Given Kairat’s defensive instability and Olympiacos’s attacking potential, the Greeks look like the favorites. The hosts are definitely capable of putting up a fight, but I believe the club from Piraeus will get the job done and take all three points from Kazakhstan.
