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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Blair Meikle

Where Celtic's Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty ranks among biggest shocks

Celtic's shock Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty has been ranked as the second worst in the competition's history.

The Scottish champions lost to the side from Kazakhstan on penalties last night after neither team was able to score across two drab legs plus extra-time.

When the draw was made, Brendan Rodgers' side would have been expected to overcome their opposition, especially given they sit 56th in UEFA's ranking system compared to Kairat's lowly 311th.

As much as it was a dream result for Almaty, now playing in the Champions League proper for the first time in their history, it is a disaster for Celtic who missed the chance to secure another £40 million bounty and will now compete in the Europa League instead.

In fact, based on those UEFA rankings it comes in as the second worst result in Champions League history, according to Transfermarkt.


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The worst was when Moldovans Sheriff Tiraspol crashed out to Georgian minnows Iberia Tbilisi, the differential in their rankings being a massive 208.

With 187 places between Celtic and Kairat, that comes next ahead of Dundalk shocking NK Celje with a difference of 185 spots.

A name that will still send shivers down the spine of Celtic fans, Lincoln Red Imps feature on the list twice for their wins over Feronikeli and FC Drita.

Their win during Rodgers' first reign only came over one leg and therefore does not feature.

Northern Irish side Linfield are also on there for beating Shelbourne.

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