Celtic to face Kazakhstan side Astana in Champions League

Celtic will play Kazakhstan side Astana in the next round of the Champions League.

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Astana prior to facing Galatasaray in last season's Champions League. Picture: AFP/GettyAstana prior to facing Galatasaray in last season's Champions League. Picture: AFP/Getty
Astana prior to facing Galatasaray in last season's Champions League. Picture: AFP/Getty

An injury-time winner put Astana into the third qualifying round at the expense of Lithuanian side Zalgiris Vilnius.

The game had been poised at 1-1. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Lithuania, it would have been enough for the visitors to go through on away goals before Astana snatched victory at the death.

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Celtic, who overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their tie with Lincoln Red Imps to win 3-1 on aggregate, will now have to travel hundreds of extra miles to face a side that remained undefeated at home in last season’s Champions League.

The result also prevents three former Hearts players - Saulius Mikoliunas, Marius Zaliukas and Linas Pilibaitis - from making a brief return to Scotland’s shores.

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