Celtic left frustrated in Champions League play-off
Celtic 0 - 0 Kairat
Celtic’s Champions League prospects remain finely poised after they were held to a goalless draw in Glasgow by a spirited Kairat side.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | Celtic Park
The £40m prize now depends on navigating a testing return leg, with Brendan Rodgers’ team facing a decisive trip to Almaty on Tuesday. The Scottish champions must contend not only with a long journey of more than 3,500 miles but also the challenge of performing in unfamiliar conditions close to the Chinese border.
It might have been worse for Rodgers’ side, who were relieved to see an early Kairat strike ruled out for offside. Their nerves were tested again when Edmilson’s long-range effort, following a mistake from Cameron Carter-Vickers, drifted narrowly over the bar.
Celtic were almost undone by an own goal late on, with some desperate defending required to keep Kairat from snatching a winner.
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An early setback came when right-back Alastair Johnston was stretchered off with what looked to be a hamstring injury, setting the tone for a frustrating evening.
The hosts only began to show attacking intent after the break, when Hyun-jun Yang replaced Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda was pushed into a central role. The Japanese forward had the best opportunity late in the game, but Celtic drew a blank at home for the first time in 47 matches.
It was all too comfortable for Kairat
Kairat, meanwhile, will leave Glasgow convinced they can finish the job in Almaty next week and claim their place among Europe’s elite.
Rodgers’ side persisted with a familiar approach, fielding right-sided players on the left and vice versa. The result was a predictable pattern, with Maeda and James Forrest regularly drifting inside into an already congested central area.
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The visitors were content to let Celtic play in front of them, setting up in a manner reminiscent of St Mirren’s successful containment job on the opening day of the Premiership.
What will concern Rodgers most is the lack of creativity and urgency in a game of such importance. With so much emphasis placed on establishing a first-leg lead, Celtic now face the daunting task of trying to finish the job in Kazakhstan without the advantage they had hoped for.
