Kairat’s emerging superstar Dastan Satpaev to miss Celtic showdown

Kairat Almaty emerging superstar Dastan Satpaev will miss the vital second leg of the Champions League playoff against Celtic…

Dastan Satpayev

July 9, 2025 — Dastan Satpayev L of Kairat Almaty breaks through during the first qualifying round of UEFA Champions League 2025-2026 Season between NK Olimpija and Kairat Almaty in Ljubljana, Slovenia, July 8, 2025. Photo by /Xinhua SPSLOVENIA-LJUBLJANA-UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-QUALIFYING-NK OLIMPIJA VS KAIRAT ALMATY Zeljko Stevanic . Photo IMAGO

The 17-year-old wide man set to join Chelsea upon turning 18, will be unavailable for the second leg in Kazakhstan next week due to suspension.

Satpaev will miss the return match in Almaty after picking up a careless yellow card at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.

Accumulating three yellow cards across the previous two qualifying rounds has left Satpaev suspended for next week’s £40 million game.

While providing commentary for TNT Sports, Rory Hamilton stated: “Well, Satpaev knows just how foolish that was. He will miss the second leg. At 17 years old, you do get that immaturity.”

Alistair Johnston of Celtic

Alistair Johnston of Celtic challenges for the ball with Dastan Satpayev of Kairat Almaty during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“He will be so frustrated; that is a harsh lesson for him to learn. It’s a boost for Celtic, in that first half he was the danger man, no doubt about it.”

The winger appeared visibly upset with himself after understanding the consequences of receiving a yellow card in the 11th minute of stoppage time.

Satpaev extended a leg to stop Arne Engels’ free-kick from reaching the box as Celtic pushed for a last-minute winner.

Rafael Urazbakhtin, Head Coach of Kairat Almaty

Rafael Urazbakhtin, Head Coach of Kairat Almaty after the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Kairat Almaty boss Rafael Urazbakhtin delivered an inspiring post-match speech, urging his players to get ready for the ‘game of their lives’ next week after holding Celtic to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League playoff first leg.

Speaking via Kairat’s Instagram account, Urazbakhtin said: “We are now one step away from our dream. And for most of us, next week will be the most important match of our lives. I am not afraid to say this.

“It’s now very important to go home, rest, recover and then realise our dream next week. We hold the key here by what we do in our legs and in our heads. I want to thank you players from the bottom of my heart for the work you’ve done out there.”

Kieran Tierney of Celtic

Kieran Tierney of Celtic reacts during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“You deserve a lot of credit for this. As I told you before the game, everything depends on us. Everything is possible. Football is like that. And you saw for yourself that you can play at a good level against a good opponent.”

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Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

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About Author

A current fourth year student studying History and Journalism, Media and Communications at the University of Strathclyde and now writing regularly about the Hoops for The Celtic Star.

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1 Comment

  1. regardless of his suspension, I have a bad feeling this game won’t be easy, it could go to pens?

    also respect for the fans on both sides who made the long trip