Plamen Dimov, a former defender for Levski and several Kazakhstan Premier League clubs, has shared his expectations for the upcoming clash between the Bulgarian side and Almaty's Kairat in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. According to him, the current Kairat is weaker than last season's team, while Levski approaches the matches against the Kazakhstan champions in excellent form, reports infohub.kz.
"I haven't watched many of Kairat's matches this year, but I think they are weaker than last year! Yes, playing in such heat as in Turkestan is very difficult, but it's inevitable – they are still professionals, and the weather should not affect them," Dimov said in an interview with ASnews.kz.
The Bulgarian defender specifically noted the changes that have taken place at Levski under Spanish head coach Julio Velázquez. "Levski is the biggest club in Bulgaria with the largest fan base. They haven't been champions for 17 years, but now they are at the peak of popularity: the team, the fans, the management – it's all one. They have a Spanish head coach, Julio Velázquez, who has built a very solid and stable team. Levski are in great shape, their play is very dynamic. They have brought in some serious foreign players for the league and have won all three matches so far," Dimov noted.
One of the main advantages for the Bulgarian club in the first leg, the former footballer said, is the support of the fans in Sofia. "I played for Levski for two and a half years; they have a great and very passionate crowd. It will be very difficult for Kairat in Sofia," he added.
Dimov is well acquainted with Kazakh football. From 2015 to 2021, he played in the KPL for Kaisar, Shakhter, Altai, and Okzhetpes.
Recall that Kairat advanced to the third qualifying round of the Champions League by beating Cyprus's Omonia on penalties. The Almaty side won the second leg 1-0, leveled the aggregate score, and won the shootout 6-5. Levski, meanwhile, overcame Romania's Universitatea with an aggregate score of 3-2.
The first leg of the third qualifying round will take place tomorrow, August 4, in Sofia, with the return leg on August 11 in Turkestan. The winner of the tie will continue the fight for a place in the Champions League group stage.