Kairat Almaty etched their name into football history on Tuesday night, sealing a first-ever UEFA Champions League group-stage place after edging Celtic 3–2 on penalties in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh side frustrated the former European champions across two goalless legs before holding their nerve in a tense shootout. Celtic faltered badly from the spot, missing three efforts—including a decisive kick from Daizen Maeda—that condemned them to the Europa League.
The night’s hero was 21-year-old goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, who made crucial saves in the shootout and had earlier denied Luke McCowan’s extra-time strike in the 112th minute.
Despite dominating possession and recording 22 attempts across both games, Celtic managed only eight shots on target and failed to find a breakthrough.
Rodgers laments missed chance
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admitted the result was a bitter setback, citing wasteful finishing, transfer delays, and the poor pitch in Almaty as factors.
“It’s a huge blow. The pitch made it a poor game, but we still had opportunities we didn’t take. Defensively we were fine, but when it goes to penalties anything can happen.
We’re disappointed not to have scored over two legs. Europa League is still prestigious, but we’ve missed a massive opportunity,” Rodgers said.
For Kairat, the win was historic—securing their debut in the Champions League group stage and making them only the second Kazakh club, after Astana in 2015, to reach this level.
Elsewhere in Europe
It was a landmark night for debutants across the continent:
• Bodo/Glimt (Norway): The Norwegian champions progressed to the group stage for the first time after a 6-2 aggregate victory over Sturm Graz, despite losing 2-1 away. They become the first Norwegian club to reach the competition proper since Rosenborg in 2007.
• Pafos FC (Cyprus): The Cypriot side also booked a maiden spot, edging Red Star Belgrade 3-2 on aggregate. Jaja’s 89th-minute equaliser secured a 1-1 draw on the night and sent the coastal city into raptures.
The Champions League group-stage draw takes place Thursday in Monaco, with matches beginning September 16–18.
