Celtic discover play-off opponents as FC Kairat shock Slovan Bratislava in penalty shoot-out | OneFootball

Celtic will take on FC Kairat in the UEFA Champions League play-off after the Kazakhstan Champions edged out Slovan Bratislava in the battle to face the Hoops. Slovan’s 1-0 win on the night after Robert Mak scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game after half an hour’s play, so after ninety minutes that goal was enough to level the tie.

SLOVAN BRATISLAVA – KAIRAT ALMATY Jorginho of Kairat celebrates during third qualifying round of UEFA Champions League football match between SK Slovan Bratislava and Kairat Almaty. Bratislava, Slovakia, August 12, 2025. IMAGO / Branislav Racko

No further goals in extra time in what was an evenly contested match. So the game went to penalties with Slovan at one stage 3-1 ahead in the shoot-out. However things went horribly wrong for the hosts after that with FC Kairat ending up 4-3 winners on penalties after the tie ended 1-1.

Celtic will now face FC Kairat as Celtic Park in the first leg of the Champions League play-off next Wednesday night (20 August) looking to build up a comfortable lead ahead of the 3500 miles trip to Almaty in Kazakhstan, near the border with China for the second with the Kazakh champions on Tuesday 26 August.

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 all just a few days before Celtic have the first Glasgow Derby of the season at Ibrox on Sunday 31 August.

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. Slovan Bratislava were limited to just one shot on target – which they scored from – which suggests that Kiarat’s defence will be resolute at Celtic Park.

They are not a team that are going to score too many goals – and their goal in the first leg win against Slovan came from the penalty spot.

Finally spare a thought for the Celtic supporters – including Conor Spence from this parish – who has already booked his flights to and from Bratislava.

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