Facebook
Britain's News Portal
Around The Clock
BREAKING
Loading latest headlines…

Celtic crash out of Champions League after four-goal lead slips against LASK

Celtic suffered a stunning collapse in Austria, losing 5-1 to LASK after extra time, and missing out on the Champions League league stage for the second consecutive year.

  • Celtic held a 4-0 aggregate lead after Callum McGregor's 21st-minute goal.
  • LASK scored five goals, including a stoppage-time equaliser and an extra-time winner, to secure a 5-4 aggregate victory.
  • The defeat is estimated to be a £20m-plus blow for Celtic, who now enter the Europa League.

Celtic have exited the Champions League after a remarkable 5-1 defeat to LASK in Linz, Austria, on 25 August 2026. The Scottish champions had established a four-goal aggregate lead, appearing set to progress to the league stage.

Callum McGregor extended Celtic's aggregate advantage to 4-0 with a deflected strike in the 21st minute. However, LASK began their comeback when Moses Usor scored in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a loose pass. Robert Ljubicic and Samuel Adeniran then netted early in the second half, bringing LASK level on aggregate.

Florian Flecker headed home in stoppage time to force an additional 30 minutes. Adeniran delivered the decisive goal in extra time, sending Celtic into the Europa League. This marks the second year running that Celtic have missed out on the Champions League league stage.

Why this matters: The defeat represents a significant financial blow, estimated at over £20 million, for Celtic.

Related Articles

Get the news that matters.

Join thousands of readers getting the best of British news straight to their inbox.