Rodinei starts as a starter for Olympiacos this Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the sixth round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. The Brazilian full-back plays in the duel against Kairat Almaty, at 12:30 pm local time on Astana (UTC+5), on Cazaquistão, on Astana Arena, broadcast live on HBO Max. Ambas the teams, still without victories in the competition, depend on the result to improve positions in the table and avoid early elimination.
Coach José Luis Mendilibar opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rodinei on the right flank to reinforce crossings and offensive support. Kairat, led by Rafael Urazbakhtin, adopts the same tactical scheme, prioritizing defensive solidity at home. Referee Juan Martinez Munuera, from Espanha, referees the game, with an average of 0.12 cards per match, which suggests fluidity in the rhythm.
Olympiacos is in 33rd place with two points from five games, while Kairat is in 35th with just one. The match marks the first official confrontation between the clubs, with no history of direct confrontations.
Highlights of the squads confirmed by UEFA:
- Kairat: Temirlan Anarbekov in goal; defense with Aleksandr Mrynskiy, Alexander Shirobokov, Egor Sorokin and Erkin Tapalov.
- Midfield: Damir Kassabulat and Dan Glazer in protection; attack with Jorginho, Valeri Gromyko and Oybek Baibek.
- Striker: Edmilson Santos as a reference.
- Olympiacos: Kostas Tzolakis on target; defense formed by Rodinei, Giulian Biancone, Lorenzo Pirola and Francisco Ortega.
- Middle: Santiago Hezze and Christos Mouzakitis in containment; Gelson Martins, Daniel Podence and Gabriel Strefezza on the stand.
- Tip: Ayoub El Kaabi leading the attack.
I rotated in action on the side
Rodinei, 33 years old, takes over on the right side of Olympiacos with a focus on precise crosses, registering 1.5 per game this season. Sua lineup confirms Mendilibar’s strategy to exploit the wings against the Kazakh defense. The Brazilian, with an 85% pass accuracy rate, should support Strefezza in quick transitions.
The choice of Rodinei reflects the absence of Panagiotis Retsos, injured, forcing adjustments in the defensive line. Ele has played 12 games in Champions this year, with a decisive assist against Real Madrid.
Tactical formations adopted
Kairat’s 4-2-3-1 aims to balance possession and counterattacks, with Glazer recovering balls in the middle. The team prioritizes long balls for Edmilson, who finishes 1.2 times per match on average. Essa assembly helped on recent domestic clean sheets.
Olympiacos repeats the scheme, emphasizing ball control above 55%. Hezze sets the pace, while Martins and Podence overload the sides, responsible for 60% of Greek assists. The 4,000-kilometer journey can affect initial conditioning.
Forecasts point to low intensity in the first half, with UEFA statistics indicating few goals in similar games.
Recent team performance
Kairat lost 3-2 to FC Kobenhavn on 26 November, conceding 13 goals in five European rounds. In the Kazakh championship, they lead with 35 points in 15 games, unbeaten at home since September, with three local clean sheets.
Olympiacos drew 0-0 with PSV Eindhoven in the last Champions and beat OFI 3-0 on December 6th. The Greeks have scored just one goal on European trips this year, but El Kaabi has 23 goals in UEFA competitions.
Both teams are looking to reset irregular campaigns in this crucial round.
Key players in the clash
Edmilson Santos commands the Kairat attack with four European goals, standing out in aerial duels. Jorginho, with 85% of successful passes, organizes the middle and steals decisive balls.
Ayoub El Kaabi threatens for Olympiacos, with 0.8 goals per game in Champions. Gabriel Strefezza accelerates on the wings with two recent assists, and Rodinei adds precise crosses from the right.
These names concentrate 70% of offensive actions, according to UEFA data.
Absences that impact the game
Kairat faces casualties with Dastan Satpaev suspended due to cards and Ofri Arad and Élder Santana with muscular injuries. Sherkhan Kalmurza comes in as a substitute in attack, while Danila Buch reinforces the midfield.
Rafael Urazbakhtin has Aleksandr Martynovich available in defense, with minutes in the national league.
Olympiacos deals with injuries of João Paulo, Panagiotis Retsos, Alexandros Paschalakis and Konstantinos Angelakis. Nikolaos Botis serves as the reserve goalkeeper, and Georgios Kouraklis in midfield.
These changes expose limitations in long rounds, but maintain tactical options.
Strategies on the Astana Arena stage
The Astana Arena accommodates 30 thousand fans and, with an altitude of 350 meters, can fatigue the Greeks. Kairat plans high pressure in the first 15 minutes for errors in the opponent’s ball.
Mendilibar focuses on possession with Hezze, testing transitions to El Kaabi in recent friendlies. Rodinei should advance further in the second half, exploiting local fatigue.
Simulations predict more than 2.5 goals in 70% of scenarios, due to vulnerable defenses.
Broadcast and odds of the duel
Sold out tickets attract more than 25 thousand fans to Astana Arena for this decisive round. HBO broadcast Max includes local audio for Cazaquistão and Grécia.
Bets favor Olympiacos with odds of 1.55 for a win and 4.45 for a draw. The score can change the table, with teams fighting against elimination.
