Despite Temirlan Anarbekov’s heroics, Olympiacos secured a 1-0 victory over Kairat Almaty, ending their 12-game away losing streak in UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches.

Both teams entered the game winless in this season’s UCL group stage, making it a crucial clash. Kairat showed early intent but failed to capitalize, with Chiquinho’s shot and Ayoub El Kaabi’s header both going wide.

Gelson Martins saw a strike blocked by Yegor Sorokin before Anarbekov tipped El Kaabi’s header wide, keeping the hosts in the contest despite mounting pressure. El Kaabi appeared to open the scoring in the 21st minute, but Chiquinho had strayed offside before laying the ball off, and Anarbekov then produced a stunning save from a venomous strike.

The Thrylos kept creating chances, with Chiquinho firing wide and having another attempt held by Anarbekov. Yerkin Tapalov blocked a Daniel Podence effort, and Anarbekov again denied El Kaabi before halftime, keeping the score level.

After the break, Kairat made a double substitution, increasing their attacking intent. Jorginho headed over soon after coming on, and Edmilson’s cross into Olympiacos’ box failed to find Valery Gromyko. Anarbekov continued to frustrate Olympiacos’ attackers, palming away another Chiquinho shot, while Giulina Biancone later needed to intervene to stop Edmilson.

Olympiacos finally broke through in the 73rd minute. Mehdi Taremi slid the ball forward to Gelson Martins, who slotted a low shot through the gap at Anarbekov’s near post, giving the visitors the lead.

Anarbekov continued to shine, making spectacular saves to deny both Taremi and El Kaabi, with the latter also hitting the crossbar. Despite Kairat’s resistance, Olympiacos held on for the 1-0 win, moving up to five points and keeping their hopes of reaching the play-offs alive.

Kairat suffered their third consecutive defeat, remaining on just one point and facing an uphill battle to stay in contention.