Here is everything you need to know about the Champions League clash involving the Scottish champions on Tuesday night
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers(Image: Getty Images)
Celtic must go and win in Kazakhstan tonight if they are to avoid a Champions League qualifying disaster of epic proportions. Brendan Rodgers’ side face Kairat Almaty on the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw at Celtic Park in the first leg.
The prize is huge for both teams, with the victorious side progressing to the Champions League and earning an estimated £40m.
Celtic have made the Champions League proper for the last three seasons but face a tense evening. Here’s everything you need to know.
What time is Kairat v Celtic kick-off?
The second-leg match starts at 5.45pm UK time on Tuesday, August 26. The game will be played at the Central Stadium, Almaty.
Is Kairat v Celtic on TV?
Yes. The match is set to be shown live on Amazon Prime. Coverage starts at 5.15pm.
Is there a free live stream for Kairat vs Celtic?
Viewers can stream the match live on the Amazon Prime app on mobile, TV or tablet.
Those who do not already have an Amazon Prime subscription can get a 30-day free trial and watch the game for nothing here. An Amazon Prime membership costs £8.99 per month or £95 per year for the standard membership
What’s the latest team news?
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told his players there were no excuses as they prepare for their Champions League decider against Kairat Almaty.
The Scottish champions made the 3,500-mile journey to Kazakhstan on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s play-off second leg.
Celtic need to win to reach the league stage after a goalless first-leg draw and Rodgers has stated how much preparation has gone into reducing the impact of the journey, which took them to about 250 miles from the Chinese border.
“There’s no excuse for us,” he said. “Especially when you see how well Kairat worked last week. They had the same journey going the other way, so that won’t be an excuse for us.
“We all feel fine, we feel great. We’re on our own time zone and we’ll prepare and there will be no excuse.”
Rodgers, who has Adam Idah back from a knee injury, added: “We can give lots of excuses. The heat, of course, it is warm. It’ll be warm obviously in kick-off, but it won’t really wash. We have to perform and that’s all we’re focused on.
“We have a lot of international players in the squad who are used to travel. You spend a lot of your life travelling, being in hotels, preparing yourself physically, mentally.
“Our trip out here wasn’t so bad. Guys get the chance to bond together as well.
“It will be nice just to get on the grass to have a light session and get moving again. By the time (Tuesday) comes, we’ll be ready for that. I’m excited to see us play in a pressure game and knowing that we have to win. That’s what you want.”
Rodgers dismissed accusations from Kairat head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin that his team had underestimated his side in the first leg.