Celtic face a winner-takes-all Champions League playoff second leg in Kazakhstan after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on Wednesday. The Scottish champions must now embark on a gruelling 7,000-mile journey to Central Stadium in Almaty, where the hosts are targeting a historic qualification.
Brazilian striker Ricardinho has issued a stern warning to Celtic ahead of next week's crucial second leg. The 24-year-old, on loan from Czech club Viktoria Plzen, believes his side can complete a remarkable upset against Brendan Rodgers' team in the sweltering 30C heat.
"We needed to believe until the last moment," said Ricardinho. "We worked for this. Everything is possible in football. I know Celtic is a very big club, but we are here, and it is 11 against 11. In football, anything is possible. It would make history."
Historic opportunity awaits
Kairat Almaty would become only the second Kazakh team to qualify for the Champions League if they secure victory next week. The Brazilian forward acknowledged the magnitude of the achievement awaiting his adopted country.
"I have only been here a little bit of time, but if we win, I think we will make history in the country. So it is very, very important for us," said Ricardinho. "We beat Slovan Bratislava last round, and it is a big thing. If we beat Celtic, it is real history. It will be a much bigger result."
Celtic will face a hostile atmosphere when they arrive at the compact 24,000-capacity stadium in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. According to the Daily Record, the qualification is worth £40 million to Celtic, adding significant financial pressure to their challenge.
Atmosphere and conditions
Ricardinho praised the Celtic Park experience but warned the Scottish champions they will encounter similar intensity in Kazakhstan. The striker admitted Wednesday's encounter was among the most challenging he has faced in his career.
"It was an amazing experience," said Ricardinho. "For me, it was a very difficult game. I don't know for you, but for me it was very hard and we made a very good job of it. I have played in a lot of Championships, but this stadium and the Champions League is the best. It is amazing."
The Brazilian forward expects the sold-out crowd in Almaty to provide their own intimidating welcome for Celtic's visit. He warned about the climate difference and the passionate home support awaiting Rodgers' team.
Final warning delivered
"Our team is very strong at home. We know it is a very tough game, but we have our supporters and we hope to make history," said Ricardinho. "The climate is a little bit different to Scotland, and our supporters make a lot of noise - maybe not the same as here - but a good noise. So you can expect a big football game - and maybe a surprise. It is sold out, for sure. It will be a special night."
The Daily Record reports that no Scottish team has ever won on Kazakh soil, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Celtic in their quest to reach the Champions League group stage.
Sources used: "Scotsman", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
