LASK complete historic comeback to eliminate Celtic

LASK have reached the Champions League league phase after overturning a four-goal aggregate deficit against Celtic in one of the competition’s most dramatic qualifying comebacks. The Austrian club’s recovery ended Celtic’s bid to advance, while the Scottish side will continue in the Europa League.

Celtic appeared firmly in control after winning the first leg 3-0 and taking the lead again in Austria through captain Callum McGregor in the 21st minute. LASK responded through Moses Usor before half-time, then Robert Ljubicic and Samuel Adeniran scored early in the second half to put the hosts within one goal of levelling the tie.

Florian Flecker’s stoppage-time goal, awarded after a video review, made the aggregate score 4-4 and forced extra time. Adeniran struck again in the 109th minute to give LASK the lead for the first time across the two matches. He later missed the chance to complete a hat-trick when Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo saved his penalty in the 115th minute, but LASK held on for a 5-1 victory and a 5-4 aggregate success.

The result sends LASK into the 36-team league phase, with its draw scheduled for Thursday in Monaco. Celtic’s European campaign now moves into the Europa League.