Fans' epic trek to Kazakhstan meets Anderlecht's shirt tribute

On Thursday, 18 Anderlecht-supporters endured an eight‑hour flight to Kazakhstan, travelling to Almaty for the Europa League play‑off against Kairat, while after the match the Anderlecht players turned the tables by marching to the visitors’ stand and handing each fan a match‑worn shirt.

The arduous journey to Almaty

The journey to Almaty was a logistical feat. The eight‑hour flight covered the distance to Kazakhstan, landing less than 300 kilometres from the Chinese border. For the 18 Anderlecht-supporters, the ticket represented a substantial financial outlay, yet they arrived in time for kick‑off.

Anderlecht entered the first half in commanding fashion, leading 0‑3 at the break. The team also enjoyed a numerical advantage, playing with one man more than Kairat. Their early dominance set the tone for the play‑off.

In the second half, Kairat Almaty regained possession and dictated play, but the three‑goal cushion remained intact. The visitors’ control did not threaten the result, allowing Anderlecht to preserve the lead.

Players' gratitude on the pitch

The victory moved Vitor Bruno’s side a significant step closer to the Europa League competitive phase. Securing the win in Kazakhstan reinforced their campaign ambitions.

After the final whistle, the Anderlecht players sought to thank the travelling fans directly. They marched to the visitors’ stand and distributed the shirts they had worn during the match, a gesture amplified by the supporters’ long trek.

Er stonden in totaal 23 spelers op het wedstrijdblad, terwijl slechts achttien supporters de verplaatsing maakten. Some players kept their shirts, meaning a few fortunate fans left with two copies. The collective decision to give match‑worn shirts underscored the bond between squad and supporters.

Un immense merci aux 18 supporters mauves qui ont fait le déplacement jusqu’à Almaty, wrote the club on social media. De club also invited fans to follow the live broadcast of the Anderlecht‑Kairat Almaty encounter, highlighting the continued engagement.