Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has been studying Celtic’s Champions League opponents, and his comments show just how costly the Hoops’ exit to Kairat Almaty really was. Celtic went out on penalties in August, a result that shocked supporters and dropped Brendan Rodgers’ side into the Europa League. For Kairat, it was a landmark moment as they reached the Champions League for the first time. “They are in the Champions League, and they deserve to be there. Celtic now face the challenge of making a mark in the Europa League and proving that the early exit from the Champions League was a slip, not a sign of deeper failings.