On Tuesday, August 26, Kairat and Celtic face off in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 qualification playoff. After the 0-0 draw in the first leg, both teams are forced to win in order to secure a spot in the group stage of Europe’s most prestigious competition. The hosts, winners of the latest Kazakhstan Premier League, arrive at this decisive clash as one of the surprises of the qualification path, having eliminated Olimpija Ljubljana, KuPS and Slovan Bratislava before facing Celtic. In the first leg, Urazbakhtin’s men showed strong defensive solidity, conceding very little and earning a result that keeps their chances alive for the return fixture. Reaching this stage already represents a historic run, but now Kairat are dreaming of their first-ever Champions League group stage appearance. Celtic, on the other hand, travel to Kazakhstan with regrets over not taking advantage of their home ground, but with the belief that they have everything needed to progress. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions began their European campaign against Kairat but failed to replicate their league form, where they won all of their first three fixtures. To secure a fourth consecutive group stage qualification, the Hoops must now return from this tricky away trip with a win, relying on their superior experience in knockout ties and a deeper, higher-quality squad. Kairat, in contrast, will count heavily on home advantage and the enthusiasm of a historic opportunity.

Kairat's recent form and key stats

After their 0-0 draw against Celtic, Kairat did not play in the league over the weekend. The Kazakhstan federation postponed their August 24 clash against Okzhetpes. Urazbakhtin’s side hasn’t won in their last three games and comes from mixed results: in their last five matches they have two wins, two defeats, and one draw, averaging 0.8 goals scored and conceded per match.

Kairat lost their most recent home league game on August 16 against Yelimay (3-2), but before that they had defeated KuPS, Ulytau and Slovan Bratislava, scoring five goals in total and keeping three clean sheets. Playing at the Central Stadium remains an advantage, as they have won their last five home games in the Champions League qualifiers and lost only two of their last 16 at the venue.

Celtic's recent form and key stats

Unlike their opponents, Celtic played in the league over the weekend, cruising to a 3-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership. That victory extended their unbeaten streak to 13 matches in all competitions, with nine wins and four draws. Rodgers’ men are strong both defensively – four clean sheets in their first five games of the season – and offensively, averaging two goals per match.

The Hoops also have a solid away record, unbeaten in their last six away fixtures. Interestingly, this season they have played just once away from Glasgow so far, a 0-2 win over Aberdeen on August 10. Celtic will travel to Kazakhstan without two key players: right-back Johnston and striker Idah.

Kairat vs Celtic prediction and tactical overview

After the first-leg setback at Celtic Park, Rodgers’ side will be fully motivated to seal their place in the next Champions League group stage. According to BetMines’ algorithm, Celtic are clear favorites to win this match within regular time and book their spot in Europe’s top competition.

Looking back at the first leg, Celtic created the most dangerous chances, even hitting the post, while Kairat’s only opportunity came from a midfield turnover by the Hoops. With both teams forced to win, Celtic’s international experience and squad depth should make the difference.

• BetMines prediction for Kairat vs Celtic suggests a home win (1) with 15% probability.
  
  
• BetMines prediction for Kairat vs Celtic suggests a draw (X) with 20% probability.
  
  
• BetMines prediction for Kairat vs Celtic suggests an away win (2) with 65% probability.

Probable lineups Kairat vs Celtic

KAIRAT (4-3-3): Anarbekov; Tapalov, Sorokin, Martynovich, Luis Mata; Glazer, Gromyko, Arad; Satpaev, Edmilson Santos, Jorginho. Coach: R. Urazbakhtin

CELTIC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Nygren, Yamada, Maeda. Coach: B. Rodgers