Astana have taken a 1-0 lead into the break in the first leg of their Champions League playoff with APOEL.

Tanat Nuserbajev came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening minutes when his close-range header was turned behind by Boy Waterman.

The hosts then took the lead in the 14th minute when Bauyrzhan Dzholchiev rose highest inside the box to meet Foxi Kethevoama's cross and powered a header into the top corner.

Dzholchiev threatened again with a strike towards the corner, but Waterman was able to hold on to his attempt.

The home side continued to dominate, but they were unable to create any more goalscoring chances, as they took their slender advantage into the break.

Written by
Alex Meyers