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.

But, with Vladimir Weiss’ side clearly struggling to adapt to the 38 degrees Celsius heat, it was the hosts who soon began to establish a foothold on the game.

Striker Arturas Fomenko put Kairat into the lead with a smart finish just before half-time and defender Vitaliy Artemov sealed the win after 70 minutes.

But with the return in Senec to come, Weiss will be confident his side can overcome the deficit and grab a spot in the second round of qualifying – and a clash against the Bank of Scotland Premier League runners-up.