Champions League Preview August 26, 2025

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Champions League Preview August 26, 2025 – 26.8.2025

Kairat vs Celtic (26.08.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Celtic win

Kairat return for the second leg with tremendous determination, having shocked the football world by holding Celtic to a goalless draw in Glasgow. Very few teams manage such a result at Celtic Park – the last time was Hearts in December 2023. The hosts trust in their fortress at home, where they have won five straight European matches and have yet to concede in this season’s qualifiers. Celtic, meanwhile, squandered the chance to take control in the first leg and now face a gruelling 7,000-kilometre journey to Almaty. History offers little comfort, as the Scots have failed to win in three previous visits to Kazakhstan. Brendan Rodgers must also cope without injured right-back Alistair Johnston and several other fitness issues, complicating his lineup choices. Nevertheless, the Bhoys boast far greater experience at this level and rely on players such as Benjamin Nygren and Kyogo Furuhashi to make the difference. The clash promises to be tense until the final whistle, but Celtic’s superior quality and pedigree should ultimately give them the edge.

Pafos FC vs Crvena Zvezda (26.08.2025, 21:00)

Tip: draw or Red Star Belgrade win

Pafos travel back from Belgrade with a sensational 2-1 victory and now stand just one step away from a historic Champions League group stage qualification. The Cypriot club, only 11 years old, have risen rapidly in European competitions and will aim to write another chapter at home. At the Marakana, Joao Correia scored inside the opening minute and though Red Star pulled one back, Pafos held on for a promising result. In Limassol they are especially strong, as earlier wins against Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dynamo Kyiv proved. Red Star, however, possess vast experience and have regularly featured in the group stage in recent seasons. Coach Vladan Milojevic can rely on an attacking duo of Cherif Ndiaye and Bruno Duarte, both of whom have been prolific in qualifying. The visitors are also boosted by the return of Rade Krunic and Rodrigao after suspensions, significantly strengthening their lineup. While Pafos will have passionate support and great motivation, the Serbian champions’ tradition and European pedigree suggest they can at least secure a result to keep their hopes alive.

Sturm Graz vs Bodo/Glimt (26.08.2025, 21:00)

Tip: draw or Bodo/Glimt win

Sturm Graz face an almost impossible task in front of their home fans, having suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat in Norway. Bodo/Glimt were ruthless at Aspmyra Stadion, once again underlining why they have become one of the dark horses of European football. Kjetil Knutsen’s side is relentless in attack, with Kasper Høgh and Jens Petter Hauge standing out as decisive players. Sturm may look to their Merkur Arena, where they famously beat Leipzig and Girona last season, but this time they face an opponent in peak form. The Austrians have started their domestic campaign well and Otar Kiteishvili continues to shine with goals and creativity, yet the gap to top European quality remains evident. Bodo/Glimt, by contrast, arrive fully rested after a weekend without league duties and fully focused on qualification. They are motivated by the prospect of making the Champions League group stage for the first time in club history. Sturm will try to salvage pride and perhaps a home victory, but realistically the Norwegians’ confidence and attacking firepower make them strong favourites once again.

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