After two goalless legs in Almaty, Kairat Almaty Champions League hopes came true as they defeated Celtic 3-2 on penalties.
Temirlan Anarbekov, Kairat’s 21-year-old goalkeeper, emerged as the hero. He made crucial saves in extra time and the shootout. Celtic missed three spot-kicks, including a decisive attempt from Daizen Maeda.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said, “I thought overall it was a poor game. The quality of the pitch made it awful.” He expressed frustration at missed opportunities, transfer delays, and the poor pitch conditions. Celtic controlled possession, created 22 chances, but failed to score. The defeat relegated the Scottish champions to the Europa League.
The victory is historic. Kairat Almaty Champions League qualification makes them only the second Kazakh side to reach the group stage after Astana in 2015.
Elsewhere, Cyprus’s Pafos FC secured their first berth. Jaja scored a dramatic late goal to seal a 3-2 aggregate win over Red Star Belgrade. Norway’s Bodo/Glimt also progressed, defeating Sturm Graz 6-2 on aggregate to book their first spot since Rosenborg in 2007.
The Champions League group-stage draw takes place Thursday in Monaco, with matches set for September 16-18.
