Kairat Vs Celtic Live Score, UEFA Champions League Playoff Second Leg: KAI 0-0 CEL; Nervy First Half Goes Goalless

Drama in Almaty! Kasper Schmeichel is forced to punch Celtic captain Callum McGregor's backpass from his goal-line in the 51st minute and an indirect free-kick is awarded, giving Kairat a massive chance to open scoring.

After a short roll-back, the resulting shot is blocked by by Daizen Maeda and the home team appeals desperately for a handball penalty. But the referee does not see it and play continues.

The lemon break ends and the teams return for the second half. Celtic now attacking from left to right and Kairat from right to left. Let's see if the interval helps spice up the match, which has suffered from a lack of incisive edge so far.

The first half comes to an end with neither side rising to the occasion the way it can, yet. If it remains goalless in the second half too, we would be headed for extra time and penalties.

This match has that typical scrappy feel to it, wherein you reckon that one goal would clinch it for whichever side manages to get it. The setpieces are not leading to much and the minutes are ticking down to half-time.

A lot better now from Celtic, who are creating chances and asking questions of the Kairat defence. James Forrest heads one powerfully towards the home team's goal but their custodian Temirlan Anarbekov palms it over superbly in the 24th minute.

Kairat have made the more enterprising start, while Celtic are employing a wait-and-watch approach. The Bhoys appear to be nervy in the winner-takes-all clash, losing possession repeatedly. The hosts, on the other hand, are readily pushing the ball forward at every opportunity.

The high-stakes match gets underway at Almaty Ortalyk Stadium. Kairat kicking from left to right and Celtic from right to left in the first half. Remember that a winner in tonight's match wins the tie and advances to the Champions League proper.

Kairat: Anarbekov, Luis Mata, Jorginho, Martynovich, Arad, D Glazer, Tapalov, Mrynskiy, Gromyko, Sorokin, Ricardinho.

Substitutes: Reimov, Kalmurza, Kassabulat, Kurgin, Sadybekov, Baibek, Shirobokov, Stanojev, Gadrani, Bekbolat, Tuyakbayev, Bagdat.

As many as six changes in Celtic's side, including the return of captain Callum McGregor. This is how the Bhoys line up for tonight's match:

The match kicks off at 10:15pm IST. The Kairat vs Celtic, UEFA Champions League 2025-26 qualifying playoff second leg football match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Ten 2 SD and HD TV channels in India and live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website in the country. Fans from Kazakhstan can watch it on qazsporttv.kz and Qazsport, and those in Great Britain on Amazon Prime Video, tabii.

Greetings and welcome to everyone joining us this Tuesday night for a crucial qualifying match between Kazakh club Kairat and Scottish giants Celtic. We will bring to you the build-up as well as live updates from the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff tie.