Overview
- Celtic were eliminated after LASK overturned a 4-0 aggregate deficit to win 5-1 in Linz and 5-4 on aggregate following extra time on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
- Callum McGregor put Celtic 4-0 up on aggregate with an early goal but LASK scored through Moses Usor, Robert Ljubičić, Samuel Adeniran (twice) and Florian Flecker to force and win extra time.
- The loss moves Celtic into the Europa League for the season and costs the club the substantially higher guaranteed income and exposure of Champions League group stage football.
- Manager Martin O’Neill accepted responsibility for the defeat and captain Callum McGregor apologised for a ‘passive’ performance while goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo described a ‘shell-shocked’ dressing room despite saving a late extra‑time penalty.
- Coverage highlights questions about Celtic’s summer decisions and squad depth after recent sales and limited reinforcements, and the club now faces transfer‑window pressure and the Europa League draw on Friday.