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. The Austrian side will join the league phase draw on August 27.

The home team began aggressively, hitting the post early on, but Celtic initially threatened on the break. After McGregor’s goal, which came from a low shot after a move involving Yang Hyun-Jun and Kieran Tierney, the visitors appeared in control. However, a careless pass from Benjamin Nygren was intercepted by Moses Usor, who equalized on the night in the 32nd minute, giving LASK a lifeline.

The tie turned decisively early in the second half. Robert...