Key Takeaways:
- Celtic registered a commanding 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of the Champions League qualification play-off at Celtic Park
- LASK’s impressive six-match unbeaten away run came to an end
- Benjamin Nygren scored and assisted in a stellar display
Early Drama and Missed Opportunities
A pulsating atmosphere filled Celtic Park from the start, but the home support was almost silenced inside 30 seconds when Moses Usor found the net with a precise volley, only for the offside flag to intervene and rescue the hosts. LASK threatened again moments later as Samuel Adeniran outpaced Cameron Carter-Vickers but failed to hit the target from a promising position.
Celtic weathered the early storm and gradually wrestled control. After ten minutes, Benjamin Nygren picked out Camilo Durán in the area, forcing an impressive save from LASK goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth.
✅ Advantage Celtic after the first leg at Paradise.#CelticLASK | #UCL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/IIa7IvCLhU
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 19, 2026
First-Half Breakthroughs
With the contest settling into a rhythm, the deadlock was broken on 26 minutes. Kieran Tierney surged down the left before delivering a dangerous cross that Sascha Horvath could only clear as far as Nygren. The Swedish midfielder made no mistake, dispatching a superb first-time finish into the top corner to ignite the home crowd.
LASK responded swiftly as Adeniran headed home a George Bello cross, but Celtic’s defence again benefited from an offside call. The Bhoys capitalised on their good fortune before half-time. Tierney was again instrumental, whipping in a cross that was cleared to Durán, who struck a thunderous volley into the top corner seven minutes before the interval.
Celtic Take Command
After the break, Celtic continued to threaten from distance. Captain Callum McGregor tested his luck from outside the box, his shot taking several deflections before Kasper Hogh nudged it onto the post.
LASK showed glimpses of promise as they searched for an away goal, but their profligacy proved costly. Nygren and Durán combined brilliantly just before the hour, with Durán cutting in from the right, exchanging passes with Nygren, and scoring a curling effort that Jungwirth could only partially deny.
Defensive Discipline Secures Clean Sheet
LASK came into the match boasting 16 goals from their opening four competitive fixtures this campaign, and a solidary goal would have been invaluable. Despite their attacking pedigree – including a recent run where four of their last six home matches finished 3-1 – Celtic’s disciplined defensive display ensured there was no reply from Die Schwarz-Weissen.
The tie now shifts to the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz next week. Celtic have established a commanding lead but will be wary as their play-off challenge is not yet settled.
