Kazakhstan teams progress to UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals

The UEFA Futsal Champions League is ongoing this season, and two Kazakhstani clubs, Kairat and Aktobe, have made it through to the next stage. The Round of 16 matches took place from 16 to 21 February 2021, with Kairat and Aktobe facing off against Belarusian opponents Viten and AEK, respectively.

The match between Kairat and Viten took place in Mogilev, Belarus, with Kairat choosing not to host their home matches in this stage of the competition. The game began with a goal from Savio for Viten at the 11th minute, putting them in the lead (0:1). However, Kairat quickly responded, with Diego scoring at the 18th minute (0:2) and Umberto adding another goal at the 16th minute (0:3). Diego and Umberto's goals were followed by further strikes from Karim Klochko at the 28th minute, Kulbaev at the 32nd minute, and Vitiao at the 34th minute, securing a 5:1 victory for Kairat.

Meanwhile, Aktobe faced AEK in Athens. The match started with a goal from Savio for AEK at the 22nd minute (0:1), but Aktobe swiftly responded with a goal from Daulietov at the 17th minute (1:1). The game continued with back-and-forth action, with Gusic scoring for Aktobe at the 18th minute (1:2), Karagulov at the 37th minute (2:5), and K. Pano scoring a penalty goal for AEK at the 34th minute (2:4). Despite AEK's efforts, Aktobe managed to secure a 5:2 victory, advancing to the next stage of the competition.

The competition has undergone changes due to the pandemic, with all matches being played as a single match at each stage. The Round of 16 matches have now concluded, and the remaining teams are preparing for the quarterfinals. The German futsal team Spvg Blau-Weiß Hohen Neuendorf also qualified for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Futsal Champions League 2020/2021.

The future of these Kazakhstani clubs in the UEFA Futsal Champions League remains uncertain, but their performances in the Round of 16 have shown their potential and determination. Fans of futsal around the world will be eagerly awaiting the quarterfinals to see how these teams continue to perform.