Almaty move a step closer to Celtic

The heat of eastern Kazakhstan proved too much for Artmedia Bratislava as Kairat Almaty eased their way to a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie – with the winners facing Celtic.

With both sides making their debut in the competition after winning their respective league titles last season, a tight game was anticipated in Almaty, located close to the border with China.