Key Takeaways:
- Celtic let slip a 4-0 aggregate advantage and lost 5-1 after extra time in Linz, losing 5-4 on aggregate to LASK
- LASK progress to the UEFA Champions League League Phase for the first time, while Celtic drop into the UEFA Europa League
- LASK missed a penalty during extra time
Match Analysis: Celtic’s Dramatic Collapse in Austria
Celtic endured a remarkable and agonising defeat, surrendering a 4-0 aggregate lead as they were beaten 5-1 by LASK after extra time in Linz, which resulted in a 5-4 aggregate loss. Their hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League League Phase were dashed by the Austrian champions, who secured their spot in the main draw for the first time in their history. Celtic, meanwhile, will now have to contend with a place in the UEFA Europa League.
The tie seemed in Celtic’s favour following a commanding performance in the first leg. Yet Martin O’Neill’s side were well aware that LASK were more than capable of mounting a resurgence. Early opportunities fell to Celtic, with Mika Baur flicking on for Kasper Hogh, whose subsequent chance on the counter was spurned.
FT.#LASKCeltic | #UCL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/9pcLlvozuQ
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 25, 2026
As the first half progressed beyond the 15th minute, the hosts grew into the contest, but it was Celtic who struck first on the night to strengthen their advantage. Yang Hyun-jun’s precise cutback located captain Callum McGregor, and his first-time shot took a decisive deflection off Andrade, leaving goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth wrong-footed.
Kasper Hogh then missed another promising opening, this time denied by a fine stop from Jungwirth. That proved costly when Benjamin Nygren, instrumental in the first leg, erred with a misplaced back pass, allowing Moses Usor to capitalise and pull a goal back for LASK.
At half-time, with a 4-1 aggregate lead, Celtic seemed in control and within touching distance of the League Phase. However, the dynamic shifted dramatically after the interval.
LASK’s Second-Half Revival and Extra-Time Heroics
LASK emerged from the break with renewed vigour. Moses Usor turned creator, providing the assist for Robert Ljubicic to fire home and further reduce the deficit. The pressure continued to mount as Samuel Adeniran, who had previously missed opportunities in Glasgow, produced a sensational first-time strike from 30 yards to give LASK the lead on the night shortly after the hour mark.
The atmosphere at the Raiffeisen Arena reached fever pitch as Celtic found themselves increasingly on the defensive. Adeniran struck the crossbar before a series of near-misses kept the Scottish champions hanging on. Despite appearing to have weathered the onslaught, disaster struck in stoppage time when substitute Florian Flecker nodded in a rebound, sending the tie to extra time.
The first period of extra time yielded few chances, but LASK then capitalised on a Celtic mistake as Luke McCowan lost possession in a dangerous area. Adenarin pounced, drilling a low drive beyond Sinisalo to hand LASK the aggregate lead for the first time. The American striker had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick from the penalty spot, only to be denied by Sinisalo. The home side nonetheless held firm to seal a famous victory and book their place in Thursday’s League Phase draw.
Celtic’s Disappointment and Individual Honours
Celtic will be left reeling from this collapse, as their focus now shifts to a UEFA Europa League campaign. For LASK, this incredible comeback marks their maiden appearance in the Champions League main phase.
| Score | Aggregate Score | Outcome | Advancing Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASK 5-1 Celtic (AET) | 5-4 LASK | LASK overturn 4-0 deficit | LASK |
