With the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League season already underway, Kazakhstan representatives Aktobe face off against Czech giants Sparta Prague in the first leg of their second qualifying round matchup. Ayomide Oguntimehin looks ahead to the July 24th clash at the Astana Arena.
Aktobe vs Sparta Prague Preview
Despite finishing third in the 2024-25 Kazakhstan league season, Aktobe secured victory in the 2024 Kazakhstan Cup, a 2-1 result over Atyrau, to qualify for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. However, they were defeated 1-0 on aggregate by Poland side Legia Warsaw, losing 1-0 away in Poland in the first leg before recording a goalless draw at home in the return leg. By virtue of their elimination, Aktobe were sent into the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, setting up the clash against Sparta. They currently occupy the fourth position in the 2025 Kazakhstan league season, seven points off Astana in first position, having already played 17 matches.
Sparta Prague, on the other hand, secured qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League season after finishing fourth in the 2024-25 Czech Republic League season behind Slavia Prague, Viktoria Plzen and Banik Ostrava. The Reds begin their participation at the second qualifying round of the competition, looking to overcome Aktobe to progress to the next stage of the tournament. They began their 2025-26 league season last weekend, securing a hard-earned point in the 1-1 draw away at Jablonec, as they hope to improve on their last season showings.
Aktobe vs Sparta Prague Head to Head Record
This will be a first-ever meeting between Aktobe and Sparta Prague in any competition.
Recent Form: Aktobe
Aktobe have been largely inconsistent this season, and are currently on a three-match winless run. Despite winning their last two matches prior to that, they have failed to score in any of their last three matches, including both legs of their Europa League exit to Legia Warsaw. They have only won one of their last five home games, suffering three defeats in the process.
Recent Form: Sparta Prague
The Reds suffered a run of six games without a win towards the end of last season, but have since won three of their last four in all competitions. They recorded three impressive victories in preseason against Mlada Boleslav, Copenhagen and Young Boys.
Sparta Prague have kept only one clean sheet in their last ten matches in all competitions, while they failed to score just once in that period.
Player to Watch: Victor Olatunji (Sparta Prague)
The Nigerian forward Victor Olatunji has enjoyed a remarkable career with Sparta Prague so far, and was one of the club’s bright sparks last season, netting 12 times in all competitions. The 25-year-old scored four times in Europe last season and his strength and work rate will be a major source of threat against the Kazakhstan opposition.
Best Betting Odds
- Away (Sparta Prague) to Win – 1.47(via 1xBet)
Prediction
Sparta Prague are more experienced in European competitions and should be able to grind out a victory in this match to secure a massive advantage ahead of their second leg tie in Czech.
