Anderlecht cruises to 3:0 win over Kairat Almaty in Europa League qualifying
Belgian club Anderlecht defeated Kazakh champions Kairat Almaty 3:0 away in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round, moving closer to the group stage.
Belgian side Anderlecht delivered a commanding away performance against Kazakh champions Kairat Almaty, winning 3:0 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round in Almaty.
The visitors struck early, with Finnish forward Jako Oksanen opening the scoring in just the second minute. Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros doubled the lead in the 24th minute. Kairat's task grew even harder when defender Aleksandr Shirobokov was sent off with a straight red card around the half-hour mark. Just before halftime, Ukrainian striker Danilo Sikan added a third goal, sealing a comfortable lead for Anderlecht heading into the break.
Throughout the match, Anderlecht dominated possession with nearly 70% of the ball and outshot their hosts 11 to 5.
The result continues a strong qualifying campaign for Anderlecht, who previously overcame Stockholm's Hammarby and Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki this summer. Kairat Almaty, meanwhile, reached the Champions League group stage for the first time last season, but this year fell twice to Bulgaria's Levski Sofia after eliminating Sutjeska Niksic and Omonoia Nicosia.
The second leg is scheduled for August 27, when it will be decided which club advances toward the Europa League group stage.
