Celtic's Champions League qualification hopes suffered a setback after a frustrating goalless draw against Kairat in the first leg of their play-off at Parkhead. Brendan Rodgers, in his 800th match as a manager, saw his side struggle to break down a resilient Kazakhstani side, who more than matched their hosts.
The visitors settled early, with captain Aleksandr Martynovich having a goal ruled out for offside in the 11th minute. Celtic defender Alistair Johnston was stretchered off with a suspected hamstring injury in the 32nd minute, replaced by Anthony Ralston. Kairat goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy made key saves, including one from Daizen Maeda, before being substituted with an injury in the 75th minute.
Celtic increased the pressure in the second half after introducing Yang Hyun-jun and moving Maeda to centre-forward. James Forrest hit the post, and Maeda squandered a clear chance in added time, shooting tamely at substitute goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov. The home fans voiced their frustration, chanting 'sack the board' late in the game.
Rodgers acknowledged the need for squad improvement, stating: 'We need to improve the squad. I think supporters see that. This is a performance club. This is a club that has to perform. And that starts on the field. You do that with getting the very best players you possibly can to allow you to perform.'
The second leg will take place in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, with Celtic facing a 7,000-mile round trip. The Scottish side must now overcome the deficit to reach the Champions League group stage.
