UEFA Champions League 2025: Celtic vs Kairat Almaty – Where to Listen and Who’s Commentating

Match date: 20 August 2025

UEFA Champions League 2025: Celtic vs Kairat Almaty – Where to Listen and Who’s Commentating

On Wednesday, 20 August 2025, Celtic will host Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park, Glasgow, for an imperative UEFA Champions League playoff round encounter. Kick-off is at 8:00 pm UK time (7:00 pm UTC), promising a gripping night of European football. Fans in the UK can catch live radio coverage primarily on BBC Radio 5 Live and its sister stations, while additional coverage will be available through Discovery+ UK, Premier Sports, and other outlets across Ireland and the UK.

BBC Radio 5 Live offers extensive live commentary, with Kenny Macintyre presenting on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Scotland Extra, BBC Sounds app, and via BBC Sport Online. The expert commentary team features Alasdair Lamont as the main commentator, alongside co-commentators Aiden McGeady and Pat Bonner. Punditry is provided by Tom English, a well-established football analyst known for his insightful tactical analysis and deep knowledge of Scottish football.

The BBC's Kenny Macintyre is a seasoned presenter known for his authoritative and engaging presenting style, having covered major football events for years. Meanwhile, Alasdair Lamont is a respected football commentator and reporter for the BBC, with a long track record covering Scottish football and European competitions. Former Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady brings first-hand player experience and tactical insight, and Pat Bonner, a legendary Irish goalkeeper, adds veteran perspectives to the commentary team.

For those with access to Discovery+ UK, the coverage will feature presenter Emma Dodds, reporter Connie McLaughlin, and pundit Johan Mjällby. Mjällby, a former Celtic defender and fan favourite, offers expert analysis grounded in his Celtic career experience, enhancing the matchday broadcast for subscribers.

Radio listeners in Scotland can also tune into Radio Clyde 1, where Gordon Duncan will present alongside pundits Jim Duffy and Ross McCormack, with reporting from Andrew MacLean. Meanwhile, Irish viewers and listeners have access via RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player with presenting from Darragh Maloney, commentary by Des Curran and co-commentary from former Republic of Ireland international Ray Houghton, alongside pundits Rianna Jarrett and Stephen Kelly. This ensures fans across the British Isles can enjoy tailored coverage with familiar voices.

Sky Sports News will provide updates and pre/post-match reports with their reporters Gordon Duncan and Luke Shanley on hand, while TNT Sports offers live coverage on their 1 HD and Ultimate 4K channels with the same Discovery+ presenting team that includes Emma Dodds and Johan Mjällby.

Background on Key Broadcasters: BBC Radio 5 Live, the BBC’s flagship sports radio station, is renowned for its comprehensive football coverage, including Champions League matches, with a broad audience reach throughout the UK. Meanwhile, Discovery+ is a growing digital platform offering sports coverage including football in high definition, appealing to viewers who prefer streaming content. Premier Sports and TNT Sports cater to audiences seeking premium live sports content, with TNT Sports holding key rights to UEFA competitions in the UK.

About the Match: Celtic hosts Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League playoff round, a critical tie for advancement to the lucrative group stage. Celtic Park, the home ground of Celtic FC, is famed for its passionate atmosphere and historic significance in European football. Celtic, with a storied European pedigree, have won their home UEFA Champions League play-off ties in five of their last six attempts, aiming to make it six out of seven this campaign. Kairat Almaty, the Kazakhstan champions, are relatively less established on the European stage, making this a compelling clash of experience versus ambition.

For more detailed line-ups and live updates, fans can check UEFA.com. For live scores and statistics during the match, Sofascore provides real-time data and community insights. Those seeking additional streaming information can refer to Watch Athletics which lists broadcast details and live streaming options.