Kazakhstan football team causes shock in Champions League

Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty club has just created an earthquake in the Champions League when it excellently won a ticket to the classification round (formerly group stage).

Kairat Almaty creates miracles at Champions League 2025-2026 season - Photo: REUTERS

On the morning of August 27, Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty Club created a huge earthquake when it eliminated former European champions Celtic from the Champions League qualifiers.

Kairat won 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout, after two goalless draws in the play-off round. The hero for the Kazakhstan team was 21-year-old goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, who saved three Celtic penalties to secure a 3-2 victory and a historic ticket for the home team.

This historic victory sees Kairat Almaty qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time, along with Norway's Bodø/Glimt and Cyprus' Pafos also making their debut after qualifying from the play-offs.

Historically, before Kairat Almaty, Kazakhstan had only had one team qualify for the Champions League group stage, FC Astana (2015-2016 season).

Kairat Almaty was founded in 1954 and is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Kazakhstan, based in the city of Almaty.

Kairat Almaty have made significant strides in European competition in recent years, regularly qualifying for the Europa League and Champions League. However, reaching the Champions League group stage for the first time has been the most significant milestone in the club’s history.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doi-bong-kazakhstan-gay-dia-chan-tai-champions-league-20250827083317088.htm