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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Kairat Almaty carved their names into football history on Tuesday night, clinching a first-ever UEFA Champions League group-stage place after outlasting Celtic 3–2 on penalties in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh champions frustrated the former European Cup winners across two goalless legs before holding their nerve in a tense shootout.
Celtic collapsed from the spot, missing three penalties — including a decisive effort from Daizen Maeda — to confirm their relegation to the Europa League.
The defining moment belonged to 21-year-old goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, who produced decisive saves in the shootout after earlier denying Luke McCowan with a superb stop in extra time.
Despite dominating possession and registering 22 shots across the tie, Celtic managed only eight on target, failing to find the breakthrough.
Rodgers laments missed chances
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admitted the result was “a huge blow,” blaming wasteful finishing, recent transfer delays, and the poor pitch conditions in Almaty.
“I thought overall it was a poor game. The quality of the pitch made it awful.
We were defensively okay but couldn’t make the breakthrough. We had chances, and then when it goes to penalties anything can happen. Very disappointed.”
Rodgers said his players worked hard but lacked a cutting edge:
“We showed a glimpse of what we can do at this level last season, but not over these two games. Europa League is still prestigious, but we’ve missed a massive opportunity.”
Landmark moment for Kazakhstan
For Kairat, the triumph marked a watershed: their first Champions League group-stage appearance, and only the second by a Kazakh club after FC Astana’s debut in 2015, the result capped a remarkable night for debutants across Europe.
Bodo/Glimt (Norway): Secured a group-stage place despite a 2-1 defeat at SK Sturm Graz, progressing 6-2 on aggregate after a dominant first leg —becoming the first Norwegian side in the competition since Rosenborg BK in 2007.
Pafos FC (Cyprus): Celebrated a maiden berth by edging Red Star Belgrade 3-2 on aggregate; a dramatic 89th-minute strike from Jaja sealed a 1-1 draw on the night before the Cypriots survived 10 minutes of stoppage time.
The Champions League group-stage draw will take place Thursday in Monaco, with matches kicking off from September 16–18.
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