Kairat Almaty U19 produced a clinical away performance to beat MTK Budapest U19 3-1 in the UEFA Youth League on Thursday, using fast transitions and a brace from Dias Kenzhebek to take control of the Domestic Champions Path contest at the Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion.

The Kazakh side were sharper in the decisive moments, punishing MTK’s misplaced passes and defensive gaps with a series of well-executed counter-attacks. MTK enjoyed more possession for long spells, especially after equalising in the first half, but they were undone by Kairat’s efficiency and composure in the final third.

Kairat strike first, MTK respond

Kairat started with intent and took the lead in the eighth minute. A quick turnover in midfield sent Dias Kenzhebek into space, and the forward drove at the retreating defence before finishing low across the goalkeeper. It was a goal that set the tone for the evening: MTK would have the ball, but Kairat would carry the greater cutting edge.

MTK gradually settled and began to impose their passing game. Their equaliser arrived in the 33rd minute after a sustained spell of pressure, with Bence Tóth arriving in the box to turn home a low cross from the left. At that stage, the Hungarian side looked the more composed team and seemed likely to take control before half-time.

Instead, Kairat struck again in first-half stoppage time. A set piece was only half-cleared, and Kenzhebek reacted quickest to stab the ball home from close range. The timing of the goal was a major psychological blow for MTK, who had worked hard to get back into the game.

Key moments

• 8th minute – Kairat lead: Dias Kenzhebek finishes a rapid counter-attack with a low strike after MTK lose the ball in midfield.
• 33rd minute – MTK equalise: Bence Tóth converts from close range after a patient build-up and a dangerous cross from the left.
• 45+2 minutes – Kairat retake the lead: Kenzhebek pounces on a half-cleared set piece to score his second of the match.
• 61st minute – MTK penalty saved: The hosts win a spot-kick, but Kairat goalkeeper Arman Zhaksylyk guesses correctly and keeps the score at 2-1.
• 78th minute – Kairat seal it: Alikhan Sarsenov finishes a flowing move on the break, curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

Tactical story: MTK’s possession, Kairat’s penetration

MTK Budapest U19 set up with a fluid 4-3-3, looking to build through midfield and use their full-backs to stretch Kairat’s defensive block. They moved the ball well in phases and created enough territory to suggest a comeback was possible, particularly after the equaliser. The penalty early in the second half was the moment that could have changed the game entirely.

Kairat, by contrast, were content to defend in a compact 4-4-2 and attack in transition. Their front two worked tirelessly to close down MTK’s central defenders, while the wide midfielders tucked in to deny space between the lines. When they won the ball, they moved it forward quickly and directly. That approach produced three goals and, just as importantly, limited MTK to few clear chances from open play.

Standout performers

Dias Kenzhebek was the match-winner, scoring twice and constantly threatening with his movement in behind. His first goal showcased his pace and composure, while his second demonstrated the kind of penalty-box awareness that separates dangerous forwards from merely busy ones. Alikhan Sarsenov added the third with a composed finish and worked hard defensively from the left.

For MTK, Bence Tóth was their brightest attacking outlet, taking his goal well and continuing to probe even after the penalty miss. Goalkeeper Arman Zhaksylyk, meanwhile, produced the save of the match from the spot, a moment that protected Kairat’s lead and underlined their game management.

What the result means

The win gives Kairat Almaty U19 a strong platform in the UEFA Youth League Domestic Champions Path and leaves MTK Budapest U19 with work to do. Kairat’s combination of defensive discipline and ruthless counter-attacking will make them a difficult opponent for anyone in the next stage, while MTK will rue the missed penalty and the soft goals conceded around half-time.

For the Hungarian side, the challenge now is to respond quickly. Their possession play offered encouraging signs, but youth-level European football punishes teams that fail to convert control into clear chances. MTK must find a way to turn territory into goals while tightening up against transitions.