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Kairat Almaty kicks off their new European campaign by hosting Montenegro champions Sutjeska. The Kazakhs had an impressive campaign last season, reaching the main stage of the Champions League, and now the goal is to successfully complete the qualifiers again. The hosts are in good form and have a better squad, and already enough European experience. In addition, the long journey to Almaty and the specific conditions traditionally give Kairat a significant advantage. Sutjeska Niksic enters the match as an absolute underdog. The guests have had limited success in European tournaments in recent years and rarely get past more than one qualifying round. Their main task will be to limit the damage before the return leg at home. Kairat is significantly more experienced in European matches. Home advantage and the long journey to Kazakhstan are a serious plus for the hosts.