Celtic’s Champions League hopes hinge on a crucial playoff tie against Kairat Almaty, with the first leg taking place tonight at Celtic Park. Kick-off is 8pm, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1. The return leg is set for next Tuesday in Kazakhstan, where the Hoops will hope to take an advantage.

The Glasgow side approach the fixture with a stretched squad, having failed to land as many reinforcements as expected in the summer transfer window. Despite that, Brendan Rodgers has been bullish in his belief that the players currently at his disposal can deliver. The manager has urged his squad to rise to the occasion, pointing to the experience and quality already within the dressing room.

Kairat are no strangers to upsetting the odds. The Kazakh champions have been one of the surprise packages of the qualifiers so far, navigating tricky ties to reach this stage. They travel to Glasgow with confidence and a game plan designed to frustrate, disrupt the tempo, and take something back home for the second leg.

That makes the role of the Celtic support even more vital. A full house is expected, and Rodgers will be counting on the famous Parkhead roar to energise his players and unsettle opponents who will likely look to slow the game down. These European nights often come down to fine margins, and the intensity of the home atmosphere could prove decisive.

For Celtic, the stakes are massive. Champions League football brings not only prestige but also financial muscle that could shape the remainder of the season. Rodgers knows the importance of taking a first-leg lead to Kazakhstan, particularly given the travel and hostile conditions awaiting in Almaty.

Celtic Park has hosted many defining European nights over the years, and this one has the feel of another. With the tie delicately balanced and both teams carrying very different strengths, tonight is about focus, discipline, and finding the breakthrough in front of our passionate support.