Anderlecht vs Kairat prediction 27.08.2026 | Europa League qualification

The last few seasons were tough for Anderlecht. Their last domestic league title was nine years ago, and at one point they were only a mid-table team. However, it seems Anderlecht have been improving in recent years, and maybe they could compete for a return to the throne in the Jupiler Pro League this campaign.

Anderlecht are excellent at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. They have five wins, one draw, and one defeat so far. In the Europa League, Anderlecht has already knocked out Hammarby and PAOK, and is now very close to doing the same with Kairat. If the major shock doesn't happen on Thursday night, Anderlecht will return to the league phase of one of the UEFA competitions.

After a victory in the first leg against Kairat, Anderlecht's head coach Vitor Bruno commented on what was crucial for a victory. He said, "The most important thing is a positive mindset. The pitch wasn't ideal, but instead of dwelling on that, I ask the boys to be positive. Just to help each other if a teammate gets into trouble due to the circumstances."

Kairat had another solid year at the domestic level, as they are in the title race with Ordabasy. On the other hand, after Champions League participation last season, it seems that Kairat will have to settle for the Conference League. After good form in most of the summer, Rafael Urazbakhtin's team struggled recently with only one victory in the last four matches in all competitions.

Especially worrying is Kairat's struggle in attack in recent weeks. Only three goals they scored in the last four matches came in the Kazakh Premier League against Ulytau, while Urazbakhtin's team didn't find the net in two games against Levski Sofia or Anderlecht.

Kairat lost 3-0 against Anderlecht in the first leg, and the head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin offered an explanation. He said, "Unfortunately, this is a completely different level, and if you make such gross and stupid mistakes, well, of course you'll be punished. I mean, in the Kazakhstan championship, they might punish you every other time, right? But here, of course, they'll punish you right away."