Copenhagen and Kairat Seek First Champions League Win in Crucial Match

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — FC Copenhagen will host Kairat Almaty on Wednesday evening in a pivotal UEFA Champions League showdown. Both teams are still in search of their first win in the competition’s league phase, as they have each managed only one point from their four matches.

Copenhagen currently sits 33rd in the 36-team table, having suffered three defeats and secured one draw. The Danish champions have scored four goals but leaked 12, with their last match resulting in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Their defensive issues have been apparent, conceding at least two goals in six consecutive European matches. The club’s most notable performance was a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on the opening matchday.

Despite their European struggles, Copenhagen boasts a strong home scoring record, having found the net in their last 18 UEFA matches at home. Domestically, they are fourth in the Danish Superliga, coming off a positive 1-0 win against Brondby on Sunday.

Kairat Almaty faces similar woes, occupying the 34th spot in the Champions League standings. They too have only one point, scoring just two goals and conceding 11. Their campaign began with defeats against Sporting CP and Real Madrid, followed by a goalless draw against Pafos, and a narrow loss to Inter Milan in their last outing.

The Kazakh champions have seen their goalkeeper excel, preventing more goals than expected based on the shots faced. However, Kairat ranks near the bottom in expected goals, indicating a need for improvement in their attacking play. Despite their struggles in Europe, Kairat performed admirably domestically, winning the Kazakhstan Premier League title.

This match marks the first-ever encounter between FC Copenhagen and Kairat Almaty, as well as the inaugural major European clash between teams from Denmark and Kazakhstan. Kairat has yet to win in their Champions League history, but they hold a record of five draws and five defeats from ten matches.

A lengthy injury list plagues FC Copenhagen ahead of the match, with players like Liam West and Birger Meling unavailable. Head coach Jacob Neestrup is expected to continue with a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Dominik Kotarski in goal and Youssoufa Moukoko and Mohamed Elyounoussi leading the attack.

Kairat Almaty will be without Joao Paulo and Elder Santana due to injuries, maintaining a 4-2-3-1 setup. Anarbekov is expected to be in goal, with Edmilson as the lone striker, supported by a trio of midfielders.

With much at stake for both teams, Wednesday’s clash promises to be a battle for survival in the Champions League.