Celtic FC News Roundup - 26 August 2025 | News Glare

Celtic FC were held to a 0-0 draw by Kairat Almaty in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday, meaning the aggregate score remains deadlocked at 0-0 as the Scottish champions prepare for a decisive return fixture in Kazakhstan. Ahead of kick-off, Brendan Rodgers hinted at imminent transfer activity, confirming that “one or two” signings could be completed once the squad returns from Almaty.

Champions League Play-off Second Leg

Celtic traveled to the Ortalyq Stadium aiming to overturn the stalemate from the first leg, but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances against a well-organised Kazakh side. The Hoops’ back line, marshaled by Kasper Schmeichel and Cameron Carter-Vickers, kept a disciplined shape, while Kairat created sporadic threats through Valeri Gromyko and Jorginho. Despite late pressure-most notably Daizen Maeda’s one-on-one miss in stoppage time-neither side could find a breakthrough.

Date: 26 August 2025
Venue: Ortalyq Stadium, Almaty
Kick-off: 5:45 PM BST
Final Score: Kairat Almaty 0-0 Celtic (0-0 agg.)

Transfer Window Developments

During his pre-match media conference, Rodgers revealed that Celtic were on the verge of bolstering their forward options before the transfer window closes next Monday. The manager, frustrated by limited attacking reinforcements so far, confirmed that Michel-Ange Balikwisha is close to joining from Royal Antwerp for approximately £4.5 million, while a loan deal for Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi has been agreed, with the defender set to travel to London for a medical today.

Injury Updates and Squad News

Celtic’s injury list grew as Alistair Johnston was ruled out until November with a hamstring problem, and Adam Idah missed the trip due to a knock. Auston Trusty also remained sidelined with a foot injury, while Jota continues his recovery from cruciate ligament surgery. On a positive note, Benjamin Nygren earned his place on the wing after netting a brace against Livingston at the weekend.

What’s Next

With the tie finely poised, Celtic must secure an away victory in Almaty to reach the Champions League group stage, a result that would guarantee an estimated £40 million in UEFA prize money. The return leg, scheduled for early next week, presents a formidable challenge: a 7,000-mile round trip, a hostile atmosphere, and the burden of overturning a stubborn deadlock.

Brendan Rodgers emphasized the need for composure and a clinical edge in front of goal, calling on leaders like Callum McGregor and Schmeichel to inspire their teammates under pressure. The outcome in Kazakhstan will be pivotal for Celtic’s European ambitions and the club’s finances heading into the new season.