Celtic Eliminated From Champions League After Penalty Defeat to Kairat Almaty

Celtic were eliminated from the 2025 UEFA Champions League after a goalless draw over two legs against Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty, ultimately losing 3-2 in a penalty shootout. Despite having superior players on paper, Celtic struggled to break down Kairat's defensive resilience and showed a lack of urgency and creativity, with key players like Daizen Maeda missing critical chances and penalties. The match featured a rare and dangerous moment when a back-pass to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel resulted in an indirect free kick near the goal, though Celtic survived the scare. The defeat not only ended Celtic's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League group stage but also deprived the club of around £40 million in revenue, forcing them to play in the Europa League instead. Player performances were largely disappointing, with some defensive solidity but an overall lack of attacking threat, and frustration was directed at the club's summer transfer dealings. Brendan Rodgers' side will now focus on domestic competitions but face significant scrutiny following this humiliating exit.