Champions League Dream Alive for Underdogs from Kazakhstan and Cyprus
Tonight, six teams will battle it out in the final leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, with three coveted spots in the group stage up for grabs. Among the hopefuls are two surprising names — FC Kairat from Kazakhstan and Pafos FC from Cyprus — both on the brink of making national football history.
Neither Kazakhstan nor Cyprus are regular features at this elite stage of European football. In fact, should either side qualify, it would mark just the second time ever for their nations. The only Kazakh club to reach the group stage was FC Astana in 2015. As for Cyprus, it was APOEL Nicosia who stunned Europe with their campaign back in 2010.
Now, Kairat are looking to make history on home soil, following a gritty 0–0 away draw against Celtic FC in Glasgow. With the return leg in Almaty, they have a genuine chance to send shockwaves through the continent.
Even more impressive is Pafos FC, who secured a stunning 2–1 victory away to Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade). The Cypriots now return to a packed home crowd with a real opportunity to seal their first-ever group stage appearance.
The third tie is all but settled. Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt demolished SK Sturm Graz 5–0 in the first leg, virtually booking their ticket to the next round barring an unthinkable collapse in Austria.
