Latest news with #RafaelUrazbakhtin
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Celtic v Kairat Almaty: Champions League play-off dates and Kazakhstan opponents profiled ahead of £25m showdown
Everything you need to know ahead of Celtic v Kairat Almaty Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Celtic now know who stand between them and a place in the Champions League. Brendan Rodgers' side begin their European campaign in the play-off round of UEFA's elite club competition where they will come up against Kairat Almaty as they look to secure a £25million windfall by reaching the league phase. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their opponents from Kazakhstan have already had to overcome three hurdles, entering the tournament in the first qualifying round, where they inflicted a 3-1 aggregate defeat on Slovenian side Olimpija. A 3-2 aggregate win over Finnish side KuPS then followed, with Kairat overturning a 2-0 first leg deficit despite being reduced to 10 men in the second leg, before they secured a play-off showdown with Celtic by overcoming Slovan Bratislava via a penalty shoot-out after both legs finished 1-1. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the match: Players of Kairat Almaty ahead of their Champions League first qualifying round first leg match against Olimpija in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by) | Getty Images When is Celtic v Kairat Almaty? The Champions League play-off round first leg between Celtic and Kairat Almaty takes place at Celtic Park on Wednesday, August 20, kick-off 8pm. The second leg will require a 7000-mile round trip for the Hoops with the match set to be staged at the 24,000-capacity Central Stadium in Almaty on Tuesday, August 26, kick-off 5.45pm. Who is the Kairat Almaty manager? Almaty are managed by Kazakh head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin. The 46-year-old earned 12 caps for the national side during his playing career, which was spent almost entirely in his homeland barring a brief spell in Russia. He was appointed Kairat head coach in 2024 but has been with the club for nine years, working his way up from the youth academy to the first team. Kairat Boranbayev, the club chairman, was asked about his future this week amid suggestions his job could be under threat. "Of course we trust Rafael Urazbakhtin," he said. "He has worked hard as our head coach and continues his work. There are no discussions about his future. Any stories suggesting otherwise are made up." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rafael Urazbakhtin, head coach of Kairat Almaty, will pit his wits against Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers in the Champions League play-off. (Photo by) | Getty Images How are Kairat Almaty faring domestically? Kairat are actually in the midst of their current campaign with the Kazakhstan domestic season running from March until October. They are looking to defend the title won in 2024 and sit top of the standings on 43 points after 19 matches, three points ahead of Astana who have a game in hand. Kairat are eight matches unbeaten in the league and face fifth-placed Yelimay Semey at home on Saturday before travelling to Celtic Park. What is Kairat Almaty's European pedigree? Kairat are regulars in the qualifying rounds of UEFA club competitions but have only played group stage football once, in the 2021-22 Conference League, where they finished bottom of their group on two points. They have, however, claimed decent-sized scalps in recent times with victories over AZ Alkmaar in 2018 and Red Star Belgrade in 2015. They last faced Scottish opposition a decade ago, beating Aberdeen 3-2 on aggregate in Europa League qualifying before losing to Bordeaux. Have Celtic and Kairat Almaty met before? This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs but Celtic are no strangers to Kazakhstan having made three trips to the country over the past 12 years, failing to win on each occasion. Neil Lennon's side lost 2-0 to Shakhter Karagandy at the same stage of Champions League qualification in 2013 but recovered to reach the group stages thanks to a 3-0 win in the return leg at home sealed by a last-minute strike from none other than James Forrest. A 1-1 draw with Astana followed in 2016 under Brendan Rodgers, before a 2-1 home win sealed Champions League progression. Celtic and Rodgers returned to Astana a year later, losing 4-3 away from home on this occasion but after securing a resounding 5-0 win in the first leg at Parkhead. Celtic and Astana players line up before a Champions League play-off at the Astana Arena in August 2017. | SNS Group Who are Kairat Almaty star players? Dastan Satpaev is the rising star of Kazakhstan football. The talented young forward only turned 17 this week but is already a senior Kazakhstan international with a €4million move to Chelsea when he turns 18 in August next year already agreed. His performances for Kairat have earned him comparisons to French star Kylian Mbappé and former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero in the Kazakh newspapers. He has already scored three times in Champions League qualifying this season and will be one of the major dangermen for Celtic to watch, but not the only one. Portuguese striker Jorginho is also a threat while midfielders Valery Gromkyo and Giorgi Zaria also renowned for getting on the scoresheet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How does Celtic squad value compare to Kairat Almaty?
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic fired bullish Champions League warning by confident Kairat boss as 12 year hex bodes well for Kazakhs
Urazbakhtin is determined to gain a famous win against the Hoops and make more European history Confident Kairat Almaty boss Rafael Urazbakhtin reckons his players have a 'great chance' of stunning Celtic after he was handed a huge vote of confidence by his board. The Hoops face a gruelling trip to central Asia to face Kairat after they downed Slovan Bratislava on penalties and became the first team from Kazakhstan to reach the Champions League playoffs. It was a much-needed win for boss Urazbakhtin after Kairat chairman Kairat Boranbayev was forced to give assurances his manager's job was safe ahead of the tie. And Urazbakhtin is determined to gain a famous win against the Hoops. He said: "I told the players they must remember this happy moment. We are making history. I urged them to keep their hunger and preserve it for the next round. "We now have a great chance of making some noise in Europe." It was a huge triumph for Urazbakhtin after Kairat chief Boranbayev was quizzed about his future this week. He said: "Of course we trust Rafael Urazbakhtin. He has worked hard as our head coach and continues his work. There are no discussions about his future. "Any stories suggesting otherwise are made up. "Rafael has been with us for nine years. He started as a coach at the children's academy, gradually went through all the stages within the club. "We have clear criteria for career growth for all coaches. It is built in such a way that they will continue to develop by going through all the stages at this club. "The same thing has happened with Urazbakhtin." When the two sides face off, Celtic will attempt to become the first Scottish team to smash a Kazakhstan hex after seven previous failures. The Hops face a marathon 3,536-mile, 11-hour trek from Glasgow in the Champions League play-off round second leg as they bid to reach the league stage. But Scottish clubs have a nightmare record in the former Soviet outpost in Asia and have lost on five of the seven occasions and drawn twice. Celtic have been in Kazakhstan on three occasions, but each time it was in Astana. In 2013, they crashed to a disastrous 2-0 defeat to Shakhter Karagandy, who had moved their game to the capital. Three years later, Celtic did at least salvage a 1-1 draw against FC Astana, and a year later, Celtic lost 4-3 in the away match to the same opponents, although the tie was wrapped up after a 5-0 home victory. Scotland also suffered an infamous defeat under Alex McLeish six years ago when they were destroyed 3-0 also in Astana. And three Scottish teams have also played 770 miles to the east in Almaty too. Aberdeen lost 2-1 to Kairat Almaty ten years ago in the Europa League when a Kenny McLean goal wasn't enough for Derek McInnes' team, who could only draw 1-1 at Pittodrie in the return and were eliminated. And Scotland Under 21s have twice played there in the past three years - they drew 2-2 in 2022 when current Celtic scout Peter Houston took charge of the team because manager Scot Gemmill was suffering from Covid in a match with floodlight failure. Last October, they lost 3-2 at the crumbling Almaty Ortalyk Stadium despite a wonder striker from new Udinese star Lennon Miller, when a win would have seen them qualify for the Euros playoffs.
BBC News
04-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Celtic and Rangers learn potential Champions League play-off round opponents
Update: Date: 11:52 BST Title: Who are Celtic's potential opponents? - Slovan Bratislava Content: Slovan Bratislava, nicknamed the Sky Blues, are Slovakia's most successful club. Last season they secured their sixth consecutive Slovak league title, marking the 30th championship in the club's history. In 1969, Slovan beat Barcelona in the final of the Cup Winners' Cup to become the first and only Slovakian team to win a European competition. Celtic beat Slovan 5-1 in the opening game of the Champions League group phase last season, as Slovan lost all eight league matches. Update: Date: 11:50 BST Title: Who are Celtic's potential opponents? - Kairat Almaty Content: Kairat are based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The club are champions of the Kazakhstan Premier League, the fourth domestic title in their history. Despite their domestic success, the club has yet to make any significant impact on the European stage - they have never made the group or league phase in any competition. The club is currently managed by Rafael Urazbakhtin (pictured) and under his leadership Kairat once again sit top of the table after 19 matches - the Kazakh league runs to an annual calendar, rather than the usual European system. Update: Date: 11:47 BST Title: Who are Rangers' potential opponents? - Club Brugge Content: Club Brugge finished second in the Belgian Pro League last season, and reached the last-16 of the Champions League before losing 6-1 on aggregate to Aston Villa. Ranger met Brugge last month in a friendly, drawing 2-2 at Ibrox. Players to keep an eye on include midfielders Ardon Jashari and Raphael Onyedika, and young Greek winger Kristos Tzolis. Former Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is in the squad. Update: Date: 11:45 BST Title: Who are Rangers' potential opponents? - RB Salzburg Content: RB Salzburg finished second in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, while in the Champions League they were eliminated in the league phase after finishing 34th in the table with just one win from eight games. Jurgen Klopp's former assistant Pep Lijnders began the season as manager, but was dismissed in December after a poor start to the campaign. After taking part in the Fifa Club World Cup earlier this summer, Salzburg defeated Norwegian side Brann in the second qualifying round. The likes of Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Dominik Szoboszlai have played for the Austrian side in the past. Update: Date: 11:43 BST Title: Get Involved Content: Click 'Get involved' at the top of this page Normally I'd be happy with a draw like that, however yesterday hasn't left me with much optimism unless we start making some attacking signings! Max, Aberdeen Update: Date: 11:40 BST Title: When did Rangers last reach the Champions League group stage? Content: Rangers last got through Champions League qualifying in 2022 - and fans will not want reminding of what happened next. They lost all six group phase matches, scoring two goals and conceding 22. It goes down in infamy as the worst ever group record in that format of the competition. Update: Date: 11:36 BST Title: Get Involved Content: Click 'Get involved' at the top of this page I agree with Dan (@ 11.02 BST), for both Rangers and Celtic. Europa League is much more suited to the Glasgow clubs. More competitive games and longer runs in the competition rather than the dreary defensive games against Champions League teams. Frazer, Glasgow Update: Date: 11:32 BST Title: When does the league phase start? Content: Champions League The schedule for the league phase of the competition is as follows: The schedule for the knockout phase of the competition is as follows: Update: Date: 11:27 BST Title: Who has already qualified for the Champions League? Content: A total of 29 teams are already guaranteed a place in the league phase of the Champions League, with the play-offs deciding the seven qualifiers who will join them. Among those already secured of a spot are holders PSG, Europa League winners Tottenham, and a further five representatives from the Premier League: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Chelsea. Update: Date: 11:21 BST Title: Get Involved Content: Click 'Get involved' at the top of this page That'll be Celtic through. They gave Slovan six last year. Marc Celtic did indeed beat Slovan 5-1 in the opening game of the Champions League group phase last season. They will fancy their chances should they face the Slovakians again in the play-offs. Update: Date: 11:17 BST Title: Post Content: We'll bring you profiles on the potential opponents for Rangers and Celtic in the next hour. We will also be looking forward to the Europa League play-off draw at noon, and the Confference League draw after that. In the meantime, let us know what you make of those ties for the Scottish giants - get in touch via the form at the top of this page. Update: Date: 11:12 BST Title: Rangers or Plzen to face RB Salzburg or Club Brugge Content: Rangers If Rangers get past Viktoria Plzen in the third qualifying round, they will play Austrian side RB Salzburg or Club Brugge of Belgium. Like Celtic, Rangers have been drawn as the potential home side in the first leg on 19 or 20 August. We await to see if policing issues require any changes on that front. If Rangers lose either to Plzen or in the play-off round, they drop into the Europa League. But if they win both ties, a spot in the Champions League proper awaits. Update: Date: 11:11 BST Title: Post Content: On we go, into the Champions League league path. Rangers feature in this one... Update: Date: 11:09 BST Title: Celtic to face Kairat or Slovan Bratislava Content: Celtic Brendan Rogers' side are in the fourth tie drawn, and will play either the champions of Kazakhstan or Slovakia for a place in the Champions League. The first leg will take place in Glasgow at Celtic Park on 19 or 20 August, with the return leg in Almaty or Bratislava a week later. The winner over two legs goes into the league phase, the loser drops into the Europa League. Update: Date: 11:07 BST Title: Post Content: After remarkably little waffle, we are under way. First up is the Champions League champions path - this features Celtic... Update: Date: 11:04 BST Title: When will these ties be played? Content: The 2025-26 Uefa Champions League officially began last month with the first and second qualifying rounds. The first legs of the third qualifying round take place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, with the second legs all taking place on Tuesday, 12 August. The first and second legs of the play-offs - the final round of qualifying, being drawn today - are scheduled for 19/20 and 26/27 August respectively. Update: Date: 11:02 BST Title: Get Involved Content: Click 'Get involved' at the top of this page As a Celtic supporter I would like a year in the Europa League so see if we can get to the later stages. A big deal is made of the finances in making the Champions League but I can't see our board spending big money regardless of the tournament. Dan, Glasgow Update: Date: 11:00 BST Title: Who could Rangers face? Content: Rangers If Scottish Premiership runners-up Rangers get past Viktoria Plzen in the third round of qualifying, they will join Celtic in the play-off round. Unlike their Glasgow rivals, Russell Martin's side are in the League Path - so there's no chance of an Old Firm Derby. But like Celtic, if Rangers lose then they drop into the league phase of the Europa League. The sides Rangers could be drawn against today are: Update: Date: 10:57 BST Title: Who could Celtic face? Content: Celtic Brendan Rodgers' side are seeded in the Champions Path side of the Champions League draw. The winners progress to the league phase of the tournament. The losers over two legs will drop into the Europa League at the league phase stage. The teams Celtic could possibly face are: Update: Date: 10:55 BST Title: The details Content: Champions League play-off round draw Time: 11.00 BST British teams involved: Celtic and Rangers (both Scotland) Europa League play-off round draw Time: 12.00 BST British teams involved: Aberdeen (Scotland) Conference League play-off round draw Time: 13.00 BST British teams involved: Crystal Palace (England), Linfield (Northern Ireland), Larne (Northern Ireland), Dundee United (Scotland), Hibernian (Scotland)
