Tuesday saw Chelsea youngster Dastan Satpaev and his Kairat Almaty side handed their best opportunity to win a Champions League game, however were unable to take the chance.
The Kazakhstani side faced Pafos, a side who will travel to Stamford Bridge later in the competition, and were given a real chance when the quickest red card in the competition saw the Cypriot side go down to 10 men in the first four minutes.
Satpaev was coming up against former Blues defender David Luiz, and the youngster was unable to hit the target with any of his three attempts at goal.
Despite Kairat registering 22 shots, only two of their efforts were on target, and they saw arguably their best chance at becoming the first side from their country to win a game in the Champions League slip through their fingers.
Pafos FC v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
Photo by George Wood – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Chelsea wonderkid Dastan Satpaev has Champions League moment ruined by David Luiz
Luiz enjoyed a very strong performance at the back, and actually could have found himself amongst the goalscorers on another day too.
David Luiz vs Kairat Almaty Total
Minutes 90
Blocks 5
Clearances 10
Aerial Duels Won 3/5
Big Chances Missed 2
Satpaev had impressed against Real Madrid earlier in the group stages, before they were eventually overpowered by the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
There is a lot of confidence though that Chelsea have found a top player in Satpaev, with him set to join the club at the end of the season.
Sporting Clube de Portugal v FC Kairat Almaty - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Chelsea working hard with Satpaev
After securing a deal for a record fee for a player from his country, the Blues are looking to make sure he is ready for action in a top European league from next season.
Chelsea have a coach working with Satpaev in order for him to develop his skills to a level they desire, as well as continue to star for his current club.
He will have a few more opportunities to prove his worth against the very best Europe have to offer. Kairat still have to face Inter Milan and Arsenal in this season’s Champions League.
Satpaev has already made his mark for Kazakhstan’s national team, and will be looking to finish the current season strongly to likely set him up for a potential Strasbourg loan.