Celtic’s journey to the Champions League group stage is poised to face a formidable challenge, with the upcoming play-off round pitting them against either FC Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava. The first leg is scheduled for 19 or 20 August at Celtic Park, followed by the away leg on 26 or 27 August.
A look at Kairat Almaty
Should Kairat Almaty emerge victorious over Slovan Bratislava, Celtic will embark on a 3,500-mile trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, for their encounter with the Kazakh champions.
Players of FC Kairat pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 first qualifying round first leg match between Olimpija and Kairat Almaty at Stadion Stozice on July 08, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Founded in 1954, Kairat has a rich history, including four national titles and ten Kazakhstan Cups. Their home ground, Almaty Central Stadium, presents unique challenges, with a near 7,000-mile round trip, a four-hour time difference, high summer temperatures, and altitude to contend with.
Rafael Urazbakhtin, Head Coach of FC Kairat looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 first qualifying round first leg match between Olimpija and Kairat Almaty at Stadion Stozice on July 08, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Kairat’s playing style is characterised by a progressive, possession-based approach, with bursts of pressing and an emphasis on exploiting width and transitional spaces. Their recruitment strategy blends seasoned Kazakh players with South American flair, particularly Brazilians.
One notable talent is 17-year-old forward Dastan Satpaev, who has already made headlines as the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer and is set for a move to Chelsea in 2026 for a league record fee.
However, Kairat’s European record remains modest, and their defence can be vulnerable to quicker, more clinical opposition.
The opponents are both difficult games for Brendan to overcome but his biggest opponents are the board who have put the chance of progress in the champions league in jeopardy, that’s a terrible situation for the team to be in and it’s all down to the corporate greed of the board
If we can’t beat either of this dross over 2 legs we should give up football!!