# LASK secures Champions League spot after comeback vs Celtic > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/celtic-and-lask-champions-league-play-off > Updated: 2026-08-24T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 223. Developments: 5. LASK Linz completed a historic comeback in the UEFA Champions League qualifying playoffs, defeating Celtic Glasgow 5-1 at the Raiffeisen Arena to secure their first-ever appearance in the tournament's league phase. After losing the first leg 3-0 at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026, the Austrian side staged a dramatic turnaround in the second leg on August 24. Although Celtic took an early lead through Callum McGregor in the 21st minute—extending their aggregate lead to 4-0—LASK responded via Moses Usor in the 32nd minute. The momentum shifted decisively in the second half with goals from Robert Ljubičić and Samuel Adeniran. Florian Flecker scored in the 90th minute to force the match into extra time. During the extra period, Samuel Adeniran scored his second goal of the night in the 109th minute to finalize the 5-1 victory. With a 5-4 aggregate win, LASK progresses to the Champions League league stage, while Celtic is relegated to the Europa League. Following the defeat, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed deep disappointment, accepting responsibility for the result. Team captain Callum McGregor criticized the squad's lack of will to win, describing the performance as “self-inflicted” and noting the team’s passivity and that they appeared “scared to go and win the game.” Media reports characterized the performance harshly; the BBC noted that the team appeared to “run away in fear” after losing their significant aggregate lead. The club’s exit has created significant financial uncertainty. The elimination is estimated to result in losses of at least £20 million, creating setbacks for player recruitment, including the potential transfer of Hungarian goalkeeper Balázs Tóth from Blackburn Rovers. ## Claims - Celtic defeated LASK 3-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sabah Bakú qualified for the UEFA Champions League league phase for the first time. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bodo/Glimt won the second leg match against NEC Nijmegen with a score of 3-0. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The aggregate score for the tie was 6-1 in favor of Bodo/Glimt. (corroborated by 3 sources) - NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper Gonzalo Creset received a direct red card in the 3rd minute of the match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bjørkan scored the first goal for Bodo/Glimt in the 45+2 minute. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Aukland scored the second goal for Bodo/Glimt in the 45+6 minute. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vonwbyl scored an own goal in the 73rd minute to make the score 3-0. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Bodo/Glimt qualified for the Champions League League Phase. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Celtic lost the second leg of the Champions League qualifying round to Lask 1–5. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lask won the aggregate score 5–4 to advance to the Champions League league stage. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Celtic will drop into the Europa League league stage. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: LASK Linz completes historic Champions League comeback against Celtic LASK Linz secured a historic Champions League qualification by overturning a 4-0 aggregate deficit to defeat Celtic 5-1 in extra time. Sabah Baku also reached the league phase after defeating Hapoel Beer-Sheva. 186 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lask-and-celtic-face-decisive-champions-league-qualifier ### 2026-08-21: Camilo Duran scores twice in Celtic victory over LASK Camilo Duran scored twice as Celtic FC defeated LASK 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs, following an opening goal by Benjamin Nygren. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/camilo-duran-scores-twice-in-celtic-victory-over-lask ### 2026-08-17: Celtic take 3-0 lead over LASK in Champions League play-off Celtic defeated LASK 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs, led by a brace from Camilo Durán and a goal from Benjamin Nygren. 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/celtic-fc-faces-lask-in-champions-league-play-offs ### 2026-08-15: LASK defeats SV Ried 4-1 to extend winning streak LASK extended their winning streak to nine matches with a 4-1 victory over SV Ried, setting the stage for their upcoming Champions League playoff against Celtic Glasgow. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lask-defeats-sv-ried-4-1-to-extend-winning-streak ### 2026-08-03: Celtic face LASK in Champions League play‑off, season on the line Celtic draw Austrian LASK in a £40 million Champions League play‑off, a make‑or‑break tie that heightens pressure on the club’s transfer plans and season prospects. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/celtic-face-lask-in-champions-league-playoff-season-on-the-line --- Cite as: LASK secures Champions League spot after comeback vs Celtic. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/celtic-and-lask-champions-league-play-off