Celtic’s Champions League play-off opponents Kairat Almaty arrive in Glasgow under a cloud after suffering a damaging league defeat just days before the first leg.

The Kazakh champions looked to be cruising on Saturday when Edmilson Santos struck twice to put them 2-0 up against Yelimey Semey. However, what should have been a routine win turned into a collapse that will raise eyebrows ahead of Wednesday night at Celtic Park.

Yelimey hit back just before half-time to reduce the deficit and set the stage for a second-half turnaround. The hosts grew in confidence while Kairat wilted, conceding twice after the break to lose 3-2 in a match that will sting their preparations for Europe’s biggest stage.

It was not just the result but the manner of it that will concern Rafael Urazbakhtin and his staff. Kairat, who pride themselves on their defensive organisation, looked vulnerable once the momentum shifted. To lose from such a strong early position could dent belief before boarding the long-haul flight to Glasgow.

For Celtic, it is another piece of encouragement. Brendan Rodgers’ men know the importance of taking a strong lead into next week’s 7,000-mile return leg in Almaty, and Kairat’s frailties will not have gone unnoticed at Lennoxtown.

Of course, domestic form can only tell part of the story. Kairat have already shown resilience in Europe this summer, clawing through three qualifying rounds, including a penalty shoot-out win over Slovan Bratislava. But Saturday’s slip-up suggests they remain vulnerable when pressure builds.

The Hoops faithful will look to see Celtic press home their advantage at Parkhead under the lights. Kairat, meanwhile, must quickly reset and hope their European momentum overrides the sting of domestic defeat.

One thing is certain: the Kazakh side arrive in Glasgow carrying baggage from a collapse they would rather forget.