Celtic Eliminated From Champions League After Penalty Shootout Loss in Almaty

Celtic's failure to score in 210 minutes against Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty led to their exit from the Champions League, resulting in significant consequences including reduced recruitment budgets and impacting the club's European ambitions. Fans and critics blamed the board's reluctance to invest in quality players, highlighting the loss of key talents like Kyogo and O'Riley without adequate replacements, while Brendan Rodgers expressed frustration over missed chances and the need for attacking reinforcements. Daizen Maeda, once prolific, notably missed two crucial chances and the decisive penalty in the shootout, symbolizing the team's lack of cutting-edge finishing. Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett opined that Maeda should have been penalized for a handball during the shootout, emphasizing the controversy surrounding the exit. The defeat has increased fan dissatisfaction, with chants calling for the board's dismissal as Celtic now prepare for the upcoming Old Firm derby against Rangers, maintaining a lead in the Scottish Premiership but facing pressure to rebuild. Rodgers acknowledged the setback and the need to reassess the club's direction following what he described as a huge blow to their progress.