After a frustrating stalemate in the first leg, Celtic make the long trip to Almaty looking to finish the job and book a spot in the group stage of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Brendan Rodgers’s men were left to rue missed chances at Celtic Park, where they were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by the resilient visitors, meaning the tie remains finely poised heading into Almaty this midweek.
Read our Kairat vs Celtic predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Champions League predictions.
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Kairat vs Celtic prediction: Could extra-time loom?
Key stats:
- Kairat have won all three of their home ties in this season’s qualifiers, keeping clean sheets in all.
- The Hoops are yet to win on Kazakh soil in three attempts, although they have progressed from all those previous duels.
- Celtic remain unbeaten across five competitive matches this campaign, with four victories and one draw on the board.
Correct score prediction – Kairat 1-1 Celtic
With both teams bringing contrasting strengths to the table, another tense battle looks likely, and extra-time or even penalties could be required to decide the winner.
Kairat will fancy their chances of extending their fortress-like home record, while Celtic’s firepower makes it difficult to imagine them drawing a blank twice in a row against the Kazakhs, so a scoring draw feels like the most realistic outcome.
Pre-match odds and probability: Celtic still favoured
- HOME: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 8/13 (1.62) – 61.9%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change.
It comes as little shock that the Kazakh underdogs remain outside favourites despite showing their mettle in Glasgow. A price of 4/1 (5.00) reflects their 20% chance of an upset.
Celtic, hunting a fourth straight group-stage appearance, are backed heavily at 8/13 (1.62) with a 61.9% implied probability.
Backing the Bhoys to qualify stands at 3/10 (1.30), while under 2.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) looks like an excellent value considering Kairat’s defensive resolve.
Most recent head-to-head: First clash ends even
Last week’s goalless affair at Parkhead was the maiden competitive meeting between the two clubs.
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 20/08/25
Celtic
Kairat Almaty
Kairat preview: Zarutskiy doubtful for Tuesday
The Kazakh champions are aiming to make history by reaching the group phase for the first time and will be buoyed by their supporters at the Central Stadium.
Victories over Olimpija Ljubljana, KuPS and Slovan Bratislava en route to this round underline their strength on home turf, where they have won every tie.
However, a shadow of doubt hangs over Aleksandr Zarutskiy, who left the pitch injured in Glasgow, leaving Temirlan Anarbekov on standby to take charge in goal.
Predicted lineup: Anarbekov (GK), Tapalov, Sorokin, Martynovich, Luis Mata, Glazer, Gromyko, Arad, Satpaev, Edmilson Santos & Jorginho
Kazakhstan Premier League 04/07/25
W
Turan
0
Kairat Almaty
4
Kazakhstan Premier League 29/06/25
W
Ordabasy
0
Kairat Almaty
1
Kazakhstan Premier League 21/06/25
W
FK Kyzylzhar
0
Kairat Almaty
1
Kazakhstan Premier League 14/06/25
D
Zhetysu
2
Kairat Almaty
2
Kazakhstan Premier League 30/05/25
W
FK Aktobe
1
Kairat Almaty
2
Celtic preview: Rodgers hit by absences
The Scottish giants bounced back from their frustrating draw with a 3-0 triumph over Livingston in the Premiership, a result that should boost morale heading into this crunch tie. They are looking to make it to the Champions League proper for a fourth consecutive campaign.
Rodgers’s squad has been stretched, though, with right-back Alistair Johnston out injured alongside striker Adam Idah and defender Auston Trusty, while Jota remains sidelined.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, Engels, McGregor, Hatate, Nygren, Yamada & Maeda
Scotland Premiership 10/05/25
W
Hibernian
1
Celtic
3
Scotland Premiership 04/05/25
D
Rangers
1
Celtic
1
Scotland Premiership 26/04/25
W
Dundee Utd
0
Celtic
5
Scotland FA Cup 20/04/25
W
St Johnstone
0
Celtic
5
Scotland Premiership 12/04/25
W
Kilmarnock
1
Celtic
5
Player to watch: Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren caught the eye when moved into a more attacking wide role at the weekend, scoring twice in an assured display. Given his form and confidence, Rodgers is expected to keep the Swedish winger in his natural position, where he could once again prove decisive.