In the concluded UEFA Champions League play-offs, Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan emerged as a dark horse, defeating Scottish giants Celtic via a penalty shootout to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
Starting from the first qualifying round, Kairat Almaty overcame four opponents on their remarkable underdog run. Here’s a recap of their historic journey:
First Qualifying Round: Kairat Almaty 3-1 Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Kairat Almaty faced Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana in the first qualifying round. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. In the second leg at Almaty Ortalyk Stadion, Kairat Almaty dominated the first half with two clinical goals: Jorginho (5’) and Mrynskiy (31’). This 2-0 home win sealed a 3-1 aggregate victory, sending them through.
Second Qualifying Round: Kairat Almaty 3-2 KuPS Kuopio (Finland)
The tie followed a home-and-away format. Kairat Almaty suffered a 0-2 defeat in the first leg away to KuPS Kuopio, putting them on the back foot. Returning to Kazakhstan for the second leg, they produced a stunning first-half comeback: Satpayev (9’), Jorginho (29’), and Gromyko (43’) scored three goals to turn the tie around.
However, Zaria’s red card just before halftime threatened to derail their momentum. Despite playing with 10 men, Kairat Almaty held on to their lead, clinching a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win.
Third Qualifying Round: Kairat Almaty 1-1 (4-3 on penalties) Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)
Kairat Almaty took on Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava. They edged the first leg 1-0 at home. In the second leg at Národný futbalový štadión, Slovan Bratislava equalized the aggregate score with a first-half goal (Mak 30’). Later, Slovan’s Weiss was sent off, but the match ended 1-0 to Slovan, forcing a penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
In the shootout, Kairat Almaty midfielder Gromyko missed his first penalty. By the third round, Slovan led 3-2. But fate intervened: Slovan missed their next two penalties, while Kairat converted both. They advanced 4-3 on penalties, pulling off another thrilling escape.
Play-offs: Kairat Almaty 0-0 (3-2 on penalties) Celtic (Scotland)
In the final hurdle, Kairat Almaty faced Scottish powerhouse Celtic. Over two legs (210 minutes total), neither side found the net, leading to a penalty shootout with the aggregate score 0-0.
The shootout became a showcase for Kairat Almaty goalkeeper Anarbayev. He saved Celtic’s first two penalty attempts. After four rounds, Kairat led 3-2. Celtic forward Daizen Maeda stepped up for the decisive fifth penalty. His shot down the middle was brilliantly saved by Anarbayev, sealing Kairat Almaty’s historic qualification for the Champions League group stage.
