Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park leaves Brendan Rodgers’ side with a big job to do in the second leg.
A flat first half, a nervous crowd, and a lack of ideas on the pitch meant it was a night full of frustration in Glasgow.
The slow start gave the visitors belief and space to settle into the game. Celtic didn’t move the ball quickly enough early on, and by the time they picked up the pace after the break, Kairat were sitting deep and dealing with the pressure.
After the match, Callum McGregor was honest in his assessment. The captain spoke about the poor start, the improvement in the second half, and the simple fact that Celtic never found the quality needed to get the goal.
Rodgers now has another problem to deal with Alistair Johnston injured, taking away a key player in defence. Fans made their feelings known with chants of “Sack the Board”, but McGregor stayed focused on the football and the clear task now facing the team.
He said: (TNT Sports), “First half we never had enough intensity in the game. We were too slow, too passive with and without the ball and that gives them a bit of encouragement.
“Second half, much more like ourselves. We were on the front foot for the whole second half, we just lacked that bit of quality to get the goal to open the game up.
“When that starts to fester through the stadium, of course, then the players feel it. But it’s our job to try and block that out and keep playing.
“We have to win. Simple as that.”
The second leg in Kazakhstan is now massive, with Celtic needing to do something they’ve never managed before: win away to Kairat. The pressure is clear. Reaching the group stage means breaking a pattern that’s held for years.
Rodgers will have to change his defence, with Johnston’s injury removing a regular and reliable part of the backline. Especially with a tough trip to Almaty coming up.
McGregor’s message after the game left no doubt. Celtic have to start strong, set the tone early, and show the level of play that’s expected. There’s no time to drift, no margin for error.
It’s all on the line in one match, and the captain has made it clear. No excuses. No holding back. Just the win.
