A closer look at Kairat Almaty and Slovan Bratislava

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·4 agosto 2025

A closer look at Kairat Almaty and Slovan Bratislava

Celtic’s journey to the Champions League group stage is poised to face a formidable challenge, with the upcoming play-off round pitting them against either FC Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava. The first leg is scheduled for 19 or 20 August at Celtic Park, followed by the away leg on 26 or 27 August.

A look at Kairat Almaty

Should Kairat Almaty emerge victorious over Slovan Bratislava, Celtic will embark on a 3,500-mile trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, for their encounter with the Kazakh champions.

OneFootball Video

Players of FC Kairat pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 first qualifying round first leg match between Olimpija and Kairat Almaty at Stadion Stozice on July 08, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Founded in 1954, Kairat has a rich history, including four national titles and ten Kazakhstan Cups. Their home ground, Almaty Central Stadium, presents unique challenges, with a near 7,000-mile round trip, a four-hour time difference, high summer temperatures, and altitude to contend with.

Rafael Urazbakhtin, Head Coach of FC Kairat looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 first qualifying round first leg match between Olimpija and Kairat Almaty at Stadion Stozice on July 08, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Kairat’s playing style is characterised by a progressive, possession-based approach, with bursts of pressing and an emphasis on exploiting width and transitional spaces. Their recruitment strategy blends seasoned Kazakh players with South American flair, particularly Brazilians.

One notable talent is 17-year-old forward Dastan Satpaev, who has already made headlines as the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer and is set for a move to Chelsea in 2026 for a league record fee.

However, Kairat’s European record remains modest, and their defence can be vulnerable to quicker, more clinical opposition.

Go to the next page for a closer look at Slovan Bratislava…

Slovan Bratislava – a more familiar European name

Alternatively, Slovan Bratislava — a more familiar European name — could still progress. Founded in 1919, Slovan boasts 24 league titles and a European Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1969. Their experience in continental competitions makes them a pretty tough opponent.

View outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and VfB Stuttgart at on January 21, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Slovan play a modern, possession-based style with bursts of pressing and quick transitions. Their key threats include top scorer – and Celtic linked striker – David Strelec, and Armenian winger Tigran Barseghyan. At the back, Georgian international Guram Kashia offers leadership and physical presence.

Players of Celtic pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and SK Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park on September 18, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic will remember their most recent meeting well—a 5–1 rout at home during last season’s group stage — but Slovan are no pushovers. They came through a tough qualifying path last year, including a dramatic comeback against Midtjylland, and are hardened by European experience.

View inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and VfB Stuttgart at on January 21, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

A trip to Bratislava isn’t the worst draw logistically but given the timing, it still represents an awkward, energy-draining fixture.

While the travel demands to Bratislava are less taxing, the footballing challenge remains significant. Slovan’s blend of experience and tactical discipline makes them a tough opponent for any team.

Regardless of the opponent, the timing of the play-off round presents challenges. The second leg falls just days before the first Glasgow Derby of the season at Ibrox, potentially complicating squad rotation and preparation for one of the biggest domestic fixtures of the year.

Fans of SK Slovan Bratislava cheer their team prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and VfB Stuttgart at on January 21, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

That makes the first leg at Celtic Park arguably more important than ever. A commanding lead would allow Rodgers to rotate and manage minutes in the second leg, reducing the risk of fatigue and injury ahead of the derby.

Both Kairat Almaty and Slovan Bratislava present unique challenges for Celtic. Kairat offers a long-haul trip with potential physical and logistical hurdles, while Slovan brings a wealth of European experience and tactical nous.

Celtic’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in securing a place in the Champions League group stage and maintaining momentum ahead of that first Glasgow Derby of the season.

Niall J

So why have one brilliant David Potter book when you can enjoy two?

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.