Overview
- Celtic beat Austrian champions LASK 3-0 at Celtic Park on Wednesday to carry a three-goal advantage into the play-off return leg.
- Summer signing Camilo Duran scored twice and drew praise from manager Martin O’Neill for a performance described as 'world-class' that combined goals and defensive work.
- Centre-backs Cameron Carter‑Vickers and Auston Trusty played the full match and helped keep a clean sheet while 19‑year‑old Colby Donovan impressed stepping in at right back.
- Match data showed LASK created more high-quality chances with a higher expected goals (xG) total and two LASK goals were disallowed, meaning the tie remains contestable before the August 25 match in Linz.
- A place in the Champions League group stage would bring major financial rewards and squad-registration pressures, so Celtic must manage injuries and selection choices to close out the tie after last season’s early European exit.