Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia Prediction: Preview and Betting Tips

This UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round second leg at Turkestan Arena sets up a finely poised tie between Kairat Almaty and Levski Sofia. The Bulgarian side carries a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Sofia on 4 August 2026, meaning Kairat must overturn the deficit in front of their home crowd to keep their Champions League dream alive.

Both teams arrive in good qualifying form. Kairat have won three of their five matches in this Champions League campaign, particularly strong at home with two wins from two and just one goal conceded. Levski, meanwhile, are unbeaten across five qualifiers, with three wins and two draws and an impressive defensive record of only three goals conceded.

With progression to the play-off round on the line and the financial and sporting rewards that come with it, this second leg promises to be tense and tactical. The first leg was cagey, decided by a single Levski goal, and the numbers suggest another tight contest where small margins and individual quality – especially from players like Reinaldo and A. Oko-Flex – could decide the outcome.

Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia Key Stats

• Kairat Almaty have won 3 of their 5 UEFA Champions League qualifiers this season, scoring 6 and conceding 3.
• The only previous meeting between these sides ended Levski Sofia 1-0 Kairat Almaty on 4 August 2026 in Sofia.
• Levski Sofia have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 Champions League qualifiers and have failed to score in none of them.

Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia — Tale of the Tape

• Position: Not available vs Not available
• Points: Not available vs Not available
• Goals For: 6 vs 9
• Goals Against: 3 vs 3
• Clean Sheets: Kairat Almaty 2; Levski Sofia 3 (Champions League 2026 qualifiers)

In qualifying statistics, Levski Sofia hold a slight edge in attacking output, averaging 1.8 goals per game (9 in 5 matches) compared to Kairat’s 1.2 (6 in 5). Both sides, however, are equally solid at the back with just 3 goals conceded apiece, an average of 0.6 per match.

Kairat’s strength has been at home: 2 wins from 2, 4 goals scored and only 1 conceded. Levski’s profile is more balanced but also more home-driven – they have 3 wins from 3 at home and 2 draws away. That unbeaten away record (2 draws, 0 losses) combined with a one-goal first-leg lead underlines why the prediction models lean towards Levski avoiding defeat again in Kazakhstan.

Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia Key Matchups

Kairat attacking unit vs Reinaldo

Kairat do not have a listed top scorer in the Champions League stats, but their 6 goals in 5 matches and an average of 2.0 goals per home game show they can create and convert chances at Turkestan Arena. They have also been efficient from the spot, scoring their only penalty in the competition.

Levski’s standout attacking threat is Reinaldo. The Brazilian attacker has 2 goals in 5 appearances, all as a starter, and has played 75 minutes per game on average. While he has not scored from the penalty spot yet, his contribution in open play has been crucial for a side that has failed to score in none of their qualifiers. Kairat’s back line, which has allowed just 3 goals in 5 games, will need to track his movement carefully, especially in transition where Levski have been dangerous.

Kairat forwards vs A. Oko-Flex and Álex Centelles

Beyond Reinaldo, Levski have additional creative and scoring threats. A. Oko-Flex, listed as a midfielder, has 1 goal in 5 Champions League appearances, starting 4 of those matches. His ability to arrive late in the box and contribute from midfield adds a secondary scoring option that Kairat must account for.

On the supply side, Álex Centelles has 1 assist from a defensive position in 5 appearances (2 starts). His forward runs and delivery from wide areas give Levski extra width and crossing quality. For Kairat, whose defense has been largely secure but has conceded 2 of their 3 goals between minutes 76–90, dealing with late surges from players like Centelles and Oko-Flex will be critical to avoid a repeat of the first-leg setback.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

This tie is a new European matchup, with only one recent meeting to reference. That first leg in Sofia sets the tone for what to expect in the return game.

• 4 August 2026: Levski Sofia 1-0 Kairat Almaty (UEFA Champions League)

Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia Prediction

Stats suggest a very balanced second leg. Kairat’s home record in this qualifying campaign is excellent, with 2 wins, 4 goals scored and just 1 conceded, and they average 2.0 goals per home match. Levski, though, are unbeaten overall (3 wins, 2 draws) and have been watertight at home while more vulnerable away, conceding all 3 of their goals on the road at an average of 1.5 per away game.

The prediction model gives Kairat only a 10% chance of winning in 90 minutes, with a 45% probability of a draw and 45% for a Levski victory. Combined with the first-leg 1-0 result and Levski’s stronger attacking metrics (1.8 goals per game vs Kairat’s 1.2) and slightly better recent form index (73 vs Kairat’s 60 in the last-five form metric), the Bulgarian side are deserved favourites to qualify and at least avoid defeat.

Kairat’s need to chase the game could open it up in the second half, but both teams’ defensive records (0.6 goals conceded per match each) point towards another tight, low-scoring encounter. With the goals projections given as thresholds rather than exact values, a conservative outlook is appropriate.

Predicted Score: Kairat Almaty 1-1 Levski Sofia

Kairat Almaty Recent Form

Kairat’s Champions League qualifying form line reads WWLWL across 5 matches. That sequence reflects a side capable of putting together winning runs but also prone to the odd setback, particularly away from home where both defeats have come. They have scored in 3 of 5 matches and kept 2 clean sheets, with a defensive average of just 0.6 goals conceded per game.

Levski Sofia Recent Form

Levski Sofia’s qualifying form is DWWDW, an unbeaten run of 5 matches. They have been especially dominant at home with 3 wins from 3 and 3 clean sheets, while away they have drawn both games. Offensively they have scored in every match, averaging 1.8 goals per game, and their defense matches Kairat’s with 0.6 goals conceded per match overall.

Kairat Almaty Possible Starting Lineup

GK: T. Anarbekov or B. Aldashev; Defenders: Lucas Áfrico, Luís Mata, A. Martynovich, L. Kurgin; Midfielders: A. Sadybekov, D. Kasabulat, J. Oksanen, G. Mendonsa; Forwards: Edmilson, Marc Gual, Jorginho.

Kairat’s squad list suggests a blend of experience and youth, with seasoned defenders like Lucas Áfrico and Luís Mata supporting a midfield that includes J. Oksanen and G. Mendonsa. In attack, options such as Edmilson, Marc Gual and Jorginho provide variety, with enough depth to adjust between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, formations they have already used in this campaign. Their tactical shape is likely to be front-footed given the need to overturn a 1-0 deficit, but they must balance that with the defensive solidity that has brought 2 clean sheets in 5 qualifiers.

Levski Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

GK: M. Lukov; Defenders: Maicon, N. Serafimov, Álex Centelles, Hevertton Santos or Aldair; Midfielders: Serginho, E. El Moubarik, M. Soula, A. Oko-Flex; Forwards: Reinaldo, J. Perea or R. Kirilov.

Levski have alternated between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 in their 5 Champions League qualifiers, with 4-3-3 used slightly more often. The back line is anchored by defenders like Maicon, N. Serafimov and Álex Centelles, the latter also contributing 1 assist. In midfield, Serginho and E. El Moubarik offer control, while A. Oko-Flex provides a goal threat from deeper areas. Up front, Reinaldo is the key finisher with 2 goals, supported by options such as J. Perea and veteran forward R. Kirilov. With a one-goal lead, Levski can afford a more balanced or counter-attacking approach, relying on their strong defensive record and ability to score in every game so far.

Kairat Almaty Team News

No significant absences reported.

Levski Sofia Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Kairat Almaty:

• None reported.

Levski Sofia:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back Levski Sofia Double Chance (Draw or Away). The prediction model gives Kairat just a 10% chance of winning, with 45% each for draw and away win, and Levski are unbeaten in 5 qualifiers (DWWDW). Market odds on the 1X2 line show Kairat as a marginal favourite at around 2.40–2.60 (implied roughly 38.5–41.7%), with Levski between 2.62 and 2.88 (about 34.7–38.2%) and the draw around 3.00–3.54 (28.2–33.3%). Given Levski’s form and first-leg advantage, taking them not to lose via a double-chance market is a sensible play, even if the exact double-chance odds are not listed here.
• Goals Tip: Under 2.5 Goals. Both teams concede only 0.6 goals per match on average in this Champions League campaign, and the first leg finished 1-0. Kairat’s matches have seen 2.5+ goals in 0 of 5 games based on their under/over distribution, while Levski have gone over 2.5 in just 1 of 5. With such strong defensive numbers and the high stakes of a second leg, a low-scoring contest is more likely. The main 1X2 odds (home 2.40–2.60, draw 3.00–3.54, away 2.62–2.88) confirm a tight game rather than a goal-fest, supporting an unders angle.
• Value Tip: Levski Sofia to Score (Anytime Team Goals). Levski have scored in all 5 qualifiers (9 goals total), led by Reinaldo with 2 goals and supported by A. Oko-Flex (1 goal) and Álex Centelles (1 assist). Kairat have conceded in 3 of 5 matches, including 1 in the first leg. With the market slightly favouring Kairat at home (odds around 2.40–2.60 for the home win vs 2.62–2.88 for away), Levski’s consistent scoring record suggests there could be value in backing them to find the net at least once, especially as Kairat are forced to open up in search of goals.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.