Celtic exit Champions League after LASK comeback

Celtic suffered a historic collapse on August 25, 2026, surrendering a four-goal aggregate lead to lose 5-1 to LASK in Linz, Austria, and exit the Champions League at the playoff stage. The 5-4 aggregate defeat sends the Scottish champions into the Europa League and denies them a place in the lucrative league phase, which could have been worth up to £40 million. Captain Callum McGregor had given Celtic a commanding position, scoring in the 21st minute to make it 4-0 on aggregate following a 3-0 first-leg victory in Glasgow. However, LASK mounted an extraordinary comeback, scoring five goals without reply to secure their first-ever Champions League group stage appearance.