Celtic blew the chance to reach the Champions League after an ignominious defeat in a penalty shootout away to Kairat Almaty with Brendan Rodgers side failing to score a goal in 210 minutes.
Image source, SNSCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers: "It was a poor game.
"It's just a shame because last year we made some great strides. we had a hint of what we could do and this was a great opportunity for us to show what we could do and we won't be there [in the Champions League].
"Plenty of endeavour, plenty of honesty but the Champions League is more than that.
"It's hugely disappointing and I really feel for the supporters who have travelled all the way to be here. the effort and commitment they've shown to be here. We're bitterly disappointed for them as well as ourselves.
"The Champions League is a wonderful competition but as we always do we will have to stick together as a squad. It's a tough one to take but we didn't do enough over the two legs.
"What I have in this group of players is that I can't fault them. From the first day back they've been brilliant. Domestically we've started well but at this level, even with teams that don't quite have the quality, you still need that little bit of extra finesse and precision. We obviously missed a big chance at home and tonight wasn't a great game of football.
"We have to accept it. Congratulations to Kairat, it's a fantastic result for them but we missed a huge opportunity.
"I just want to show the appreciation [to the fans], you can't underestimate the travel, finance, the love of the club to be here. We wanted to go through on the pitch to say thank you but it was always still in the balance. It's a huge disappointment.
"I always think that investment is great but investment in whatever you're doing has to be at the right time. At this moment in time it's a little bit raw. This group of players have given everything. We're obviously limited to what we could do in the game in moments. The players gave everything we just couldn't find enough moments of quality.
"It's very frustrating. We all know where we want to get to. We showed last year the strides I felt we took but you have to build on that. the last thing you want to do in football is manufacture your own stress but all we can do now is look at where we're at as a football club and decide where we want to go.
"At this moment in time we can still have a very good season.
When asked if being in the Europa League will alter the business the club will do before the end of the window, Rodgers added:
"I haven't a clue. I really don't know."
We asked for your views as Celtic close in on a permanent deal for Michel-Ange Balikwisha and loan move for Marcelo Saracchi.
Here's what some of you said:
Tom: It's bad that it's had to come to this, fans and the manager near enough screaming for signings. Now for the board to push out for the transfers. Celtic first went in for Balikwisha, a year later we get our man. Not heard of the left-back before but a striker and another winger and a back-up right-back on loan possibly would be ideal.
Nick: Loan move, ridiculous. Board are just being miserable. Buy some players! Utter nonsense. Loans, loans, loans. Pathetic.
Matt: I'm just pleased there's finally some added depth to the squad albeit only a little. We should have enough to see us through but likely another winger or striker needed at least on top of those two. Typical Celtic leaving all the business to the tail-end of the window though!
Liam: Too little, too late. Why wait until the day of our second leg away to bring in reinforcements? Summer transfers brought to you by the same board who employed Neil Lennon in a changing room. Farcical!
Brendan: It's absolutely too late. Balikwisha has apparently been a target since last summer. If Celtic were serious about signing him then why wasn't it lined up at the beginning of the window? It seems like each time the transfer window rolls arounds it comes as a surprise. What is so difficult in getting in players early? I understand that there will be many moving parts to these things but it comes across as lack of planning, lack of commitment and lack of ambition.
Kieran: Good signings on paper and would have come in very handy last week but far too late. It is quite laughable in all honesty and I hope it doesn't cost us our place in the Champions League. If it does, I suggest this board's time is up as the level of incompetence they have shown is unforgivable in my eyes.
Ian: Seems strange these deals are being done a matter of one week after the Champions League play-off signing deadline, and still no sign of a replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi.
Steven: They've been interested in Balikwisha for a prolonged period now, which tells a tale, his stats are good. Marcelo Saracchi and Diego Laxalt (remember him?) were Uruguay's go-to left-backs a few years ago but Saracchi seems to have been recalled recently which is positive. In my opinion they'll be decent, potentially above average signings.
Image source, GettyCeltic are poised to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha & Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi
Celtic are nearing a double signing.
The Scottish champions, whose manager Brendan Rodgers has repeatedly called for reinforcements this summer, are closing in on a permanent deal for Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha and a loan move for Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi.
What do you make of the potential deals? Are you pleased to see some incomings? With neither player arriving before the Champions League play-off, have the club left their business too late?
Tino
Fan writer
What a week this could be.
In seven days' time we might be exactly where we want to be - if a number of key factors fall our way.
Champions League football could be secured for a fourth consecutive season, allowing us to finally breathe a little easier knowing Celtic's name will once again be in the draw to face Europe's elite.
The boost that would give both players and fans is immeasurable, because European football's top table is where this club strives to be, year after year.
On the domestic front, an equally exciting prospect awaits. Imagine glancing at the league table in the first week of September and seeing Celtic nine points clear of our biggest rivals. Nine points!
That's more than a lead - it's a statement. A declaration that Celtic are again setting the pace, calling the shots, and daring any newcomers to the Glasgow rivalry to catch up.
And what about our summer transfer activity? After months of speculation and frustration, will the club finally deliver the reinforcements Brendan Rodgers needs? The players required to ensure last season's European progress was no fluke, and to give us genuine belief in this campaign.
If, as many fear, this is Rodgers' final season at Celtic, he'll be determined to do everything in his power to ensure his legacy is fully restored after a less than favourable exit first time around.
Of course, football rarely adheres to neat timelines or fans' expectations. Injuries, late transfer bids, dips in form - these are the curveballs that make it all so unpredictable.
But perhaps that's part of what keeps us coming back for more.
By this time next week we could find ourselves in a position that even our most optimistic fans would bite your hand off for: leading the way on the pitch at home and abroad, stocked with the tools for another memorable season, and on the cusp of writing a new - perhaps final - chapter in Rodgers' Celtic story.
In football, as in life, nothing is guaranteed. But one thing is certain - the days ahead promise high drama, hope and the kind of week that doesn't come around all too often.
Strap yourselves in. This is exactly what we signed up for.
Image source, SNSCeltic defender Liam Scales says the team are well aware "what's at stake" with Champions League qualification hanging in the balance.
Brendan Rodgers' side are in Kazakhstan for tonight's play-off second leg after being held to a goalless draw by a resilient Kairat side at home.
Participation in the league phase is worth around £40m, and Scales said: "Obviously it's where we want to be as players.
"You want to be playing at the highest level, and a lot of us have experienced that in the last couple of years, and that's where we want to be.
"We know what's at stake, and it's huge for us. We're fully focused on it.
"Every team at this level is going to be good. Kairat have got through a few rounds coming in that game by being robust, defending well and being hard to beat.
"So we knew what was expected, we just sort of didn't start the game the way we would have liked to, so I think that was it."
Image source, SNSDon Robertson will referee Sunday's first meeting of Rangers and Celtic this season at Ibrox (12:00 BST).
The whistler will be assisted by Daniel McFarlane and Chris Rae while Andrew Dallas will be the VAR, assisted by Calum Scott.
Robertson officiated Celtic's opening match of the season, the champions 1-0 defeat of St Mirren, and oversaw Rangers' home draw with Dundee.
Rangers sit on three points after draws in their opening three league fixtures while Celtic have a maximum nine points.
Both sides play midweek Champions League play-off fixtures before the derby, with Celtic away to Kairat tonight (agg 0-0) and Rangers in Belgium to face Club Brugge on Wednesday (agg 3-1 to Brugge).
Image source, SNSHas Celtic's transfer hesitancy been "over-exaggerated"?
Having spent around £3m on new arrivals this summer, the board's transfer gamble will be decided tonight in the Champions League play-off second leg against Kairat in Kazakhstan where a £40m prize of league-phase qualification awaits the winners.
"At the minute I think it's a small problem," said former Celtic forward Cillian Sheridan.
"I think it can become a big gamble to not fully invest into the squad before these qualifiers. But if Celtic could come out from the game this evening and they've qualified then the board can go and spend.
"It looks like there are some players coming in between now and over the next few days. But I just can't help but feel there is a little bit of over-exaggeration of what's actually the issues that are going on at Celtic."
Having failed to break down obdurate Kairat in last week's drab goalless draw at Parkhead, Celtic's hopes now rest on becoming the first Scottish team to win in Kazakhstan.
"I think Celtic go through, they should have too much," added Sheridan on the BBC's Scottish football podcast.
"They'll know from last week's game exactly what they're up against. They know what needs to be done better, albeit they'd created a few chances where they'll think they probably deserved a little bit more than a 0-0.
"So I quite fancy Celtic to go through, given also what's at stake."
Celtic could miss out on Feyenoord winger Calvin Stengs, 26, unless they accelerate their interest. (Football Insider), external
Celtic are reportedly closing in on deals for Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, 24, and Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi, 27. (Sun), external
Saracchi is heading to Glasgow after Celtic reach agreement with Boca Juniors to greenlight the move. (Record), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip
Image source, Getty ImagesMarcelo Saracchi is one of two players heavily linked with Celtic
Brendan Rodgers talks to the media before the second leg of his side's Champions League play-off against Kairat in Almaty on Tuesday.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Almaty
Image source, SNSCeltic were frustrated in Glasgow last week
Brendan Rodgers has dismissed any suggestion Celtic had underestimated Kairat.
The sides drew 0-0 in Glasgow last week and the winner of Tuesday's second leg in Kazakhstan will join Europe's elite in the league phase.
"We always respect every opponent," said Rodgers. "We knew they were going to be a good side and hard to beat.
"We know they are really hard to beat, hard to break down and it's up to us to impose our game. We never disrespect or underestimate any team.
"We have to play our game, play the football that we've played in a lot of the league games this year. If we take that into the game, then we've got a fantastic chance of qualification."
Rodgers also insists "there's no excuse for us" regarding the arduous 3,500-mile journey.
"They had the same journey going the other way so that won't be an excuse for us.
"We have to perform and that's all we're focused on. I'm excited for us to play in a pressure game, knowing that we have to win. That's what we want."
Image source, SNSMarco Tilio has joined Austrian side Rapid Vienna on a four-year deal, ending an underwhelming two-year stay with Celtic.
The Australia winger joined Celtic in June 2023 from Melbourne City for a reported seven-figure fee, but only made two competitive appearances for the club.
He returned to Melbourne City on loan for the 2024-25 season and helped them win the A-League Championship.
Tilio, 24, says he is looking forward to a fresh start.
"I'm happy that the transfer has now worked out after lengthy discussions and that I can be here in Vienna," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to introducing myself to the Rapid fans at the stadium soon and hope to get started quickly and play my first game here."
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Almaty
Image source, SNSCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers has been talking to the media before the second leg of his side's Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty on Tuesday.
Here are the best bits from his news conference:
Rodgers insists there was no element of Celtic underestimating Kairat before last week's goalless draw, saying "they are a tough team to break down".
He insists there is no requirement to explain the enormity of the game to the players - "they know what is at stake".
Says his team cannot become too fixated on the end goal because "if you think so much of the consequence it can paralyse you". He has told his players to focus on their own performance and "imposing" their game plan.
On the long distance travelled to Almaty, Rodgers says there will be "no excuses" from Celtic - he points out how well Kairat coped in the first leg. "We feel fine and we have to perform."
Rodgers hopes to have some positive news regarding transfers on their return to Glasgow - "I think by the time we get back we will be close to one or two things."
Team news: Adam Idah has travelled with the squad and is in contention, but Auston Trusty is still unavailable.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Almaty
Image source, SNSWith few, if any, direct flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan from the UK, this was always going to be a long and tiring journey for any Celtic fan looking to follow their team as they seek another Champions League campaign.
However, there are various routes to be found. Frankfurt from either Edinburgh or Glasgow is one of those routes before flying direct to Almaty with a total flight time of around ten hours.
I travelled from Edinburgh via Istanbul and after a three-hour stop in Turkey, I was able to jump on a direct flight straight to Almaty. The total travel time was around 15 hours with arrival at 03:40 local time.
Almaty is a fairly modern city, with temperatures during the day in the mid-30s. It explains why kick-off for the second leg is at 21:45 local time to ensure the heat will have relented somewhat.
The stadium capacity is around 23,000 and tickets were snapped up in just over an hour given the enormity of this game for Kairat.
Only a few hundred fans have made the near 8,500 miles round trip from Glasgow. It is a long way to come but well worth it if Celtic are to make it through to the Champions League proper.
Image source, SNSCentral Stadium in Almaty is the venue for Celtic's return leg against Kairat on Tuesday
Watch Sportscene pundit Steven Naismith analyse Celtic's start to the season, their performance against Livingston on Saturday and a lack of transfer business.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Almaty
Image source, SNSKairat Almaty hope to add to the "negative atmosphere around Celtic" but head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin is expecting a strong response from Brendan Rodgers' side.
Celtic are in Kazakhstan for the second leg of their Champions League play-off after a 0-0 draw in Glasgow, during which fans vented frustration over the tepid display and a lack of significant transfer activity over the summer.
"Celtic players may have underestimated us at home," said Urazbakhtin.
"Now they will look at our game in a different way. I think they will have a different motivation and attitude.
"Yes, there is a negative atmosphere around Celtic but I think this is a team of high-level players. I think they are used to dealing with such issues.
"They understand that everything depends on them. We also think that everything depends on us.
"I don't think there is a bigger pressure on Celtic than on our team. We will try to get to the group stage. Our task is to make it happen, to do everything we can."
Kairat, aiming to become just the second Kazakh side to get through Champions League qualifying, will be without goalkeeper Alexander Zarutsky, who was injured at Celtic Park, and suspended Chelsea-bound midfielder Dastan Satpayev.
No Scottish team has won in Kazakhstan before.
The best Celtic have done is a draw with Astana, while they lost to the same opponents and Shakhter Karagandy, although they progressed in each tie.
Aberdeen were beaten by Kairat 10 years ago, while there was humbling 3-0 loss for the national side in 2019.
"It's a story that the Scottish teams did not play so well here," said Urazbakhtin. "But it's all in the past.
"You need to live in the present. We understand that everything will be decided tomorrow."
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Much-changed Celtic swept aside Livingston on Saturday and have two players in my team of the week as a result.
Dane Murray was certainly not overworked but the youngster is taking his opportunity and looks assured in the starting XI.
Benjamin Nygren delivered his best performance in a Celtic shirt.
All the talk might be of Celtic transfer disappointment thus far but the Sweden international looks like another shrewd acquisition by the club.
Watch highlights as much-changed Celtic dispatch Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.
