Shock in Kazakhstan: Celtic failed to qualify for the Champions League due to penalties.

Celtic suffered defeat in the Champions League qualification

According to The Sun: The 'Celtic' team paid for their inactivity. They failed to show the necessary level of play in two playoff matches against the Kazakh 'Kairat'.

The defeat in the penalty shootout left the players in tears.

Celtic fans expressed outrage over the lack of investment in transfers, but it is important to note that the team simply did not show worthy play.

The goal was to reach the Champions League, but the players stepped onto the field as if they belonged to amateur competitions.

Daizen Maeda failed to convert the decisive shot in the penalty shootout, although before that Adam Idah and Luke McCowan also failed to score. The Japanese striker likely regrets his moment one-on-one four minutes before the end of regular time, which will keep all those associated with the club on edge.

Coach's reaction and fan support

It was a night of terrible disappointment for Celtic, who could have continued their participation, earning £40 million in prize money.

Before the match, Rodgers addressed his fans, walking across the field to 300 devoted supporters who warmly supported him, as the journey from Scotland was very far.

However, after the game, the fans were disappointed. Many of them questioned the team's lineup even before the start of the match. The absence of Idah on the field caused dissatisfaction, as Maeda took his position as a striker.

There were also doubts about the choice of Benjamin Ngawa in the midfield. Experts noted that this decision lacked tactical logic, considering the recent success of the Swede.

Rodgers tried to make changes in the second half, but the players' uncertainty became apparent. When even experienced footballers like Kieran Tierney start making mistakes, the team finds itself in a critical situation.

Celtic had a chance to open the scoring with a penalty kick, but the shot hit Maeda, and the team's position became increasingly difficult.

By the end of the meeting, the game looked lost and helpless. When Daizen Maeda failed to convert one of the key moments, it became clear that dreams of the Champions League might be narrowly stretched.

The penalty shootout started poorly: the first three shots hit the hands of the 'Kairat' goalkeeper, complicating the situation even further.

“Celtic paid the price for their own mistakes.”

Overall, Celtic's defeat serves as an important lesson for a team that, despite its status and potential, must make more efforts to achieve success on the international stage. The fans demand changes, and only time will tell if the club can meet their expectations.