Celtic have crashed out of the Champions League in the play-off stage after losing on penalties to Kairat Almaty.
Brendan Rodgers named his strongest side available, making a host of changes from the win against Livingston but neither side got going in the first half.
Kasper Schmeichel and Callum McGregor were involved in a controversial moment as the Celtic captain’s back pass was punched away by the goalkeeper and therefore meant the hosts were awarded a free-kick inside the box.
Daizen Maeda then missed a glorious chance when one-on-one with only five minutes to go after he blazed his effort over the bar, which meant that the game would head to extra time.
Despite some improvement in extra time there was still nothing to separate the two sides and it had to be settled by a penalty shootout.
At first it looked as if no team wanted to score from the spot either as the first three takers all missed from 12 yards but in the end it was Kairat who held their nerve.
Here is how 67 Hail Hail rated the performances of each individual player.
- READ MORE: Mark Clattenburg explains why Kasper Schmeichel wasn’t sent off during Kairat Almaty vs Celtic
Celtic player ratings vs Kairat Almaty
Kasper Schmeichel – 5/10
Was sold short by McGregor with the back pass but he should know better than to punch it away. Aside from that, it was a very quiet night.
Anthony Ralston – 5/10
Struggled to make an impact in the game and doesn’t have the same urgency going forward like Alistair Johnston does.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6/10
One of the few highlights of the night. Defended well at the back and rose to the occasion like he always does.
Liam Scales – 6/10
Like his defensive partner, Scales deserves credit for his performance and was clearly one of the better, more composed Celtic players on the night.
Kieran Tierney – 5/10
Got forward a few times in the first half and delivered some crosses that came to no avail. Still lacking fitness to last a full 90 minutes and had to be brought off again.
Reo Hatate – 5/10
Sluggish performance in the middle of the park and sometimes felt like a passenger.
Callum McGregor (C) – 5/10
Left Schmeichel in a huge spot of bother with a back pass that almost resulted in Kairat getting a goal. Got more composed as the game went on but knows he is much better than what he showed.
Benjamin Nygren – 6/10
Struggled to get any control of the ball on an albeit difficult pitch. Looked better when he moved to the right wing and came into his own during extra time.
James Forrest – 5/10
Another quiet afternoon on the wing for James Forrest. Hardly got into the game.
Daizen Maeda – 4/10
Missed a great chance in the final minutes of normal time. 2024/25 Daizen Maeda would’ve scored and he needs to rediscover his composure in front of goal again.
Hyunjun Yang – 4/10
Far more effective when coming off the bench as a substitute. The lack of options out wide and Maeda going up front means that there was no alternative but as Michel-Ange Balikwisha prepares to join, it’s almost certain that he will be the one to drop out.
Substitutes
Arne Engels – 5/10
Delivered some decent corners into the box but other than that, didn’t offer much when coming on.
Adam Idah – 5/10
Was more of a focal point than Maeda up top but was unable to test the resolve on
Dane Murray – 5/10
Solid at the back when he came on again and is proving to be someone that Rodgers can trust.
Luke McCowan – 6/10
Almost made an instant impact off the bench only for his shot to be well saved. Always a bright spark off the bench.
Colby Donovan – 6/10
A tough scenario for the youngster to come into but he handled the pressure brilliantly and also looked lively going forward.
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