Celtic’s Champions League hopes remain finely balanced after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers marked his 800th game in management but there was little to celebrate on a night that saw Celtic struggle for fluency and composure in front of goal. The Hoops dominated possession yet failed to translate control into the kind of chances required at this level.
The first half was sluggish, with the visitors comfortable in their defensive shape and looking a threat on the break. Celtic’s lack of sharpness in the final third drew growing impatience from the home support, who had come expecting a strong first-leg advantage.
After the interval, Celtic finally sparked into life. James Forrest rattled the post and Daizen Maeda spurned a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time that would have changed the complexion of the tie. Kairat themselves had the ball in the net only to be denied by the offside flag, and they reminded everyone they are far from passengers in this play-off.
Adding to the concern was an untimely injury blow to Alistair Johnston, stretchered off with a suspected hamstring problem. His absence leaves Rodgers with a defensive headache for the trip to Kazakhstan.
The frustration in the stands was palpable. Supporters once again voiced their anger at the board, chanting “sack the board” in a pointed message towards chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson. The lack of transfer activity has become the flashpoint, with the stalemate amplifying concerns about the squad’s quality and depth.
Rodgers didn’t shy away from the situation post-match, acknowledging the need for reinforcements and warning that the current squad is stretched thin for the demands of Europe. His remark — “It’s normally the manager who gets the sack” — underlined his own awareness of the mounting pressure.
The return leg in Almaty now looms large. Celtic must overcome not only a resolute opponent but also the demands of a 7,000-mile round trip and the weight of history — no Scottish club has ever won in Kazakhstan. To progress, the Hoops will need composure, quality, and a clinical edge that was absent in Glasgow
