UEFA Champions League 2025: Watch Kairat Almaty vs Celtic Live with Expert Commentary on Amazon Prime UK and BBC Radio

Match date: 26 August 2025

Watch Kairat Almaty vs Celtic in the UEFA Champions League Playoff: Live on Amazon Prime UK and BBC Radio

The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League playoff match between Kairat Almaty and Celtic will kick off on 26 August 2025 at 17:45 UK time from the Central Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan. UK viewers can catch the live television broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime UK, while multiple BBC radio channels will provide comprehensive live audio coverage. This article details where to watch, who is commentating, and insights into the expert pundits bringing the game to life for fans across the UK and Ireland.

Live TV Coverage: Amazon Prime UK

The match is broadcast live on Amazon Prime UK, a key broadcaster for UEFA Champions League fixtures in the UK this season. Leading the coverage is the experienced presenter Gabby Logan, renowned for her work across BBC and BT Sport and well-versed in football presentation. The main commentary team consists of Jon Champion and co-commentator Courtney Sweetman-Kirk. Jon Champion is a veteran football commentator with decades of experience covering major tournaments for broadcasters like ITV and ESPN. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk brings up-to-date insights from her current professional football career and previous punditry roles.

Adding further expert analysis are pundits Stiliyan Petrov and Martin O'Neill. Petrov, a former Celtic and Aston Villa midfielder, is respected for his tactical astuteness and analysis, while Martin O'Neill, a former Celtic manager and Northern Ireland international, offers invaluable experience and deep knowledge of the Scottish game. The coverage is complemented by reporter Alex Aljoe, who will provide pitch-side updates and interviews.

Radio Coverage: BBC Radio and Premier Sports

Fans preferring audio commentary can tune into several BBC radio platforms. BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3, BBC Radio Scotland Extra, the BBC Sounds app, and BBC Sport Online (Audio) all broadcast the game with a consistent commentary team led by presenter Kenny Macintyre. The main commentator Alasdair Lamont, well known for his work on Scottish football, is joined by co-commentators John Collins and Aiden McGeady, both former Celtic players with extensive playing careers and media experience. Punditry is provided by football journalist Tom English, with reporter Brian McLauchlin delivering insights and updates live from the ground.

Additionally, Premier Sports 1 HD, available only in the Republic of Ireland, offers alternative audio coverage. They feature presenter Eoin McDevitt alongside commentator Cathal Mullaney with co-commentary by former Republic international Gary Breen and ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew. Pundits Kenny Cunningham and Charlie Mulgrew will add expert insight, making this a well-rounded broadcast for Irish audiences.

World Feed Commentary for International Viewers

For viewers outside UK and Ireland, the standard world feed is available with commentary by Dave Farrar, a familiar voice in UEFA Champions League broadcasts worldwide, known for his clear and engaging style.

Match Context

The game at Almaty is the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round that determines which team enters the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition. The first leg ended 0-0 at Celtic Park, keeping the tie wide open. Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed confidence going into the match, emphasising the opportunity to secure group stage football with a strong away performance.

For further updates and live statistics, websites like UEFA.com and Sofascore offer in-depth live coverage, including lineups, possession stats, and key moments.

About the Presenters and Commentators

Gabby Logan is one of the UK's most established sports presenters, known for her calm and informed hosting style. Her involvement adds gravitas to Amazon Prime's football coverage. Jon Champion, a veteran commentator with years covering football at all levels, is heralded for his descriptive, passionate commentary. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, a former professional footballer, brings current player insight, making their partnership engaging and insightful.

Kenny Macintyre is a seasoned sports broadcaster primarily associated with BBC Scotland, combining excellent presentation skills with a deep knowledge of Scottish football. His commentary team featuring Alasdair Lamont, John Collins (former Celtic midfielder), and Aiden McGeady (ex-Celtic winger and Republic of Ireland international) makes BBC's live radio coverage particularly appealing to Scottish fans.

For Irish audiences, presenters and pundits like Eoin McDevitt, Gary Breen, and Kenny Cunningham offer detailed analysis with a strong understanding of Celtic’s game and Irish football heritage.

How to Watch or Listen

• Amazon Prime UK: Live TV broadcast with presenter Gabby Logan and commentary by Jon Champion and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk. Subscription required.
• BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 / BBC Scotland Extra / BBC Sounds / BBC Sport Online (Audio): Live audio commentary with Kenny Macintyre presenting and Alasdair Lamont leading commentary. Available free with BBC Radio or online streaming.
• Premier Sports 1 HD (ROI only): Live audio coverage with Eoin McDevitt and Cathal Mullaney for Republic of Ireland listeners.
• World Feed: Available outside the UK and Ireland with commentary by Dave Farrar.

Whether watching on Amazon Prime or tuning into one of the BBC’s quality radio broadcasts, football fans will be well catered for with expert analysis, experienced commentators, and comprehensive coverage of this pivotal Champions League tie.

For more information on the UEFA Champions League, visit UEFA.com. To follow live scores and statistics during the match, the Sofascore app is highly recommended. For detailed football analysis and news, readers can also explore ESPN Soccer.