This was a vital game for both sides as they entered it winless in the UCL league phase this term. Kairat showed early intent but conceded the first opportunities, with Chiquinho’s shot and Ayoub El Kaabi’s header both going off target.
Gelson Martins then saw a shot blocked by Yegor Sorokin before Anarbekov got the finest of touches on El Kaabi’s header to tip it wide as the determined hosts battled to stay on level terms despite the growing pressure they faced.
El Kaabi momentarily thought he had opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but Chiquinho had strayed offside before squaring the ball to the striker, who then forced Anarbekov into an impressive save with a venomous strike.
The chances kept coming and going for the Thrylos, as Chiquinho fired wide again prior to his flick being held by Anarbekov.
Yerkin Tapalov then did enough to stop a Daniel Podence attempt before Anarbekov rushed out to deny El Kaabi yet again and ensure his side made it to half time still on level terms.
Even so, Rafael Urazbakhtin made a double change ahead of the restart, and the hosts were far more positive offensively, with Jorginho heading over shortly after his introduction.
Edmilson then broke into Olympiacos’ box but couldn’t find Valery Gromyko, before Anarbekov palmed away Chiquinho’s strike.
José Luis Mendilibar took action with a double change of his own as his side looked nervy as the hour mark passed, yet a Giulina Biancone intervention was required to stop Edmilson moments later.
Olympiacos finally made the breakthrough in the 73rd minute, though, as Mehdi Taremi slid the ball forward for Martins, who managed to squeeze his shot through the gap Anarbekov had left at his near post.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper then made spectacular saves to deny Taremi and El Kaabi, before the latter hit the crossbar, but Olympiacos still secured the victory that takes them up to five points and renews hope that they can reach the play-offs.
They also inflicted Kairat’s third consecutive defeat, leaving the Kazakhstanis on one point and on the brink of elimination.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Temirlan Anarbekov (Kairat Almaty)