A closer look at Kairat Almaty and Slovan Bratislava

Slovan Bratislava – a more familiar European name

Alternatively, Slovan Bratislava — a more familiar European name — could still progress. Founded in 1919, Slovan boasts 24 league titles and a European Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1969. Their experience in continental competitions makes them a pretty tough opponent.

Slovan play a modern, possession-based style with bursts of pressing and quick transitions. Their key threats include top scorer – and Celtic linked striker – David Strelec, and Armenian winger Tigran Barseghyan. At the back, Georgian international Guram Kashia offers leadership and physical presence.

Celtic will remember their most recent meeting well—a 5–1 rout at home during last season’s group stage — but Slovan are no pushovers. They came through a tough qualifying path last year, including a dramatic comeback against Midtjylland, and are hardened by European experience.

A trip to Bratislava isn’t the worst draw logistically but given the timing, it still represents an awkward, energy-draining fixture.

While the travel demands to Bratislava are less taxing, the footballing challenge remains significant. Slovan’s blend of experience and tactical discipline makes them a tough opponent for any team.

Regardless of the opponent, the timing of the play-off round presents challenges. The second leg falls just days before the first Glasgow Derby of the season at Ibrox, potentially complicating squad rotation and preparation for one of the biggest domestic fixtures of the year.

That makes the first leg at Celtic Park arguably more important than ever. A commanding lead would allow Rodgers to rotate and manage minutes in the second leg, reducing the risk of fatigue and injury ahead of the derby.

Both Kairat Almaty and Slovan Bratislava present unique challenges for Celtic. Kairat offers a long-haul trip with potential physical and logistical hurdles, while Slovan brings a wealth of European experience and tactical nous.

Celtic’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in securing a place in the Champions League group stage and maintaining momentum ahead of that first Glasgow Derby of the season.

Niall J

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CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES BY DAVID POTTER, FOREWORD BY DANNY McGRAIN is published by Celtic Star Books on the fifth day of September. You can pre-order now to guarantee your copy which will be signed by Danny McGrain, with just a limited number of signed copies still available, although they are selling very quickly.

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered and don’t worry, your copy will be signed by the legendary Celtic and Scotland star who captained Celtic for the early years of the 1980s.

And from today we’ve reduced the price of an earlier David Potter book – Celtic’ Icicle – Alec McNair – to just £5, so when you order with Celtic in the Eighties you get two books and better still the postage is only charged on one. Offer available for a short period only as we have a very limited number of copies of David’s wonderful book on Alec McNair left.

So why have one brilliant David Potter book when you can enjoy two?