LASK overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit to beat Celtic 5-1 after extra time and win 5-4 on aggregate, with Samuel Adeniran scoring the decisive goal in a remarkable Champions League qualifying turnaround.
Celtic had carried a 3-0 advantage into Tuesday’s second leg at Raiffeisen Arena and appeared to strengthen their position when Callum McGregor opened the scoring in the 21st minute. However, LASK responded with five unanswered goals to eliminate the Scottish champions and secure their place in the Champions League proper.
Moses Usor levelled the match before half-time after capitalising on a poor pass from Benjamin Nygren towards goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. Robert Ljubicic then put LASK ahead on the night shortly after the interval, before Adeniran’s outstanding long-range strike brought the Austrian side to within one goal of Celtic on aggregate.
The hosts completed the comeback in the 90th minute. Krystof Danek’s header was kept out by Sinisalo, but Florian Flecker reacted first to score from the rebound. The goal was checked by VAR for offside against the substitute before it was awarded, sending the tie into extra time.
Adeniran finally put LASK ahead overall during the second period of extra time, guiding a low effort into the bottom-left corner. He had the opportunity to complete a hat-trick six minutes later when Reo Hatate brought Danek down inside the penalty area, but Sinisalo saved the resulting spot-kick.
Celtic survived that late scare but could not find a response, as LASK held on for one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League qualifying.
Celtic fail to clear another European hurdle
Before the match, O’Neill had predicted a “long old night” for Celtic while insisting his side would not simply defend their three-goal lead. That warning proved prophetic, with Celtic once again falling short of the Champions League proper for a second successive season.
Twelve months ago, Celtic were eliminated by Kairat Almaty after a disappointing two-legged tie was settled by penalties. This time they looked to be in a stronger position after their dominant first-leg victory, but another collapse means they will have to settle for Europa League football.
Kasper Høgh had missed two earlier chances before McGregor’s opener gave Celtic the lead. Camilo Duran, who had been the standout performer in the first leg, continued to work hard in attack and finished with team-high figures for shots, with two, and duels won, with nine.
LASK’s pressure was led by Adeniran, whose power and direct running caused Celtic repeated problems. No player on either side had more shots than the American’s 10, while his 11 touches in the opposition penalty area were also the highest in the match.
Sascha Horvath was another important figure for LASK, creating six chances and completing 39 passes in the final third, both team-leading totals.
The statistics reflected the hosts’ attacking dominance. LASK recorded an expected goals total of 4.91 from 40 attempts, although only eight of those efforts were on target. Celtic managed an xG of just 0.42 from eight shots.
LASK will be joined in the Champions League proper by Sabah, who also required extra time to complete a 6-4 aggregate victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Last season’s surprise package Bodø/Glimt also progressed, beating 10-man NEC 3-0 in the second leg to secure a 6-1 aggregate win.
