Kanye West concert scars Kazakhstan pitch before Anderlecht tie

On 15 August a Kanye West concert took place at Central Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, leaving patches of sub‑standard grass that Anderlecht will face in their Europa League first‑leg crucial tie against Kairat Almaty on Thursday at 17:00 Belgian time.

Match stakes and schedule

The encounter forms the first leg of a two‑match tie that decides a place in the League Phase of the Europa League. A favourable result is needed before the return match on Thursday 27 August at 21:00 in Lotto Park, Touchdown Almaty.

Anderlecht‑coach Vitor Bruno said, “We do not consider ourselves favourites, it will be a difficult match. Kairat is a solid side, they played in the Champions League last season, so we must not underestimate them.” He added that he knows attackers Marc Gual, Edmilson and Luis Mata from previous observations.

Team preparations and travel

Midfielder Lukas Ambros, the Czech attacking midfielder for the Brussels side, observed, “I did not know there was a concert on this field. We have been there and the grass condition is satisfactory, although there are a few small spots where the grass is not of the best quality.”

Anderlecht arrived in Kazakhstan after a nine‑hour flight, landing three hours ahead of Belgian time. Players headed straight to the hotel and went to bed, adjusting to the local schedule before the match.

NEC misses Champions League bonus but eyes Europa League points

In the domestic league Anderlecht seeks to bounce back after a 1‑0 defeat to SK Beveren, hoping to secure a win in Almaty. The Belgian side aims to translate that momentum into the European arena.

Kairat currently dominates at home with seven consecutive victories, but their European campaign has slipped from the Champions League qualifiers to the Europa League playoffs.

The second leg will be played on Thursday 27 August at 21:00 in Lotto Park. The fixture offers both clubs a chance to clinch the coveted Europa League group‑stage berth.

German winger Marten Winkler, who arrived in Almaty only yesterday, is already in the selection. At his former club Hertha BSC he recorded one goal and two assists in his first two matches, indicating his potential impact for Anderlecht.