If anyone thought Celtic would walk over Kairat Almaty, they were proved wrong.
Celtic drew with Kairat in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round as they bid to reach the main phase of the competition.
£40m worth of Champions League prize money is on the line for the Hoops and with a gruelling trip to Almaty awaiting, they know that only a win will do them any good.
Despite being the lowest-ranked side left in the tournament, Kairat still back themselves to get the job done next week and some behind-the-scenes footage from their post-match interview is a great sign of their confidence.
- READ MORE: The reason why Kairat Almaty were allowed to play midfielder vs Celtic despite yellow card limit
Kairat Almaty unfazed by Celtic in second leg
Heading back to Central Asia with a draw was a huge achievement in Kairat’s eyes and they will see themselves as the side in the driving seat to reach the main phase.
The Hoops are still the favourites but manager Rafael Urazbakhtin has told his players that it is down to them to make history.
Posted to FC Kairat’s social media channels, Urazbakhtin said: “We are now one step away from our dream.
“And for most of us, next week will be the most important match of our lives. I am not afraid to say this.
“It’s now very important to go home, rest, recover and then realise our dream next week.
“We hold the key here by what we do in our legs and in our heads.”
Kairat Almaty without key player for second leg
There wasn’t much to be disheartened about from a Kairat perspective on Wednesday night but if there was one black mark, it’s that 17-year-old wonderkid Dastan Satpaev will be missing.
Satpaev was shown a yellow card in the 100th minute of the game for a rash challenge and because of UEFA rules, will now be suspended for the second leg.
The striker has become the poster boy of football in Kazakhstan and will join Chelsea when he turns 18.
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