Celtic Lose Four-Goal Lead as LASK Seal Champions League Comeback

Celtic have been eliminated from the Champions League after surrendering a four-goal aggregate advantage against LASK in Austria. BBC Sport reported that the Scottish champions lost the play-off tie 5-4 overall following extra time at the Raiffeisen Arena, bringing their attempt to reach the league phase to an abrupt end.

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Martin O'Neill's side had placed itself in a commanding position across the two legs and also scored first in the return match. That cushion did not hold. LASK overturned the deficit during a second half in which Celtic struggled to produce a response, before completing the comeback after the contest went beyond 90 minutes.

O'Neill accepted responsibility after the final whistle and described the result as a major disappointment. He acknowledged that Celtic should have been able to protect their position in the qualifying tie and said the team remains far from the finished article. The manager also identified the sporting, financial and prestige costs attached to missing Champions League qualification.

Captain Callum McGregor delivered an equally direct assessment in comments to Amazon Prime reported by the BBC. He said Celtic had been passive, had appeared afraid to take control of the match and ultimately received the outcome their performance deserved. McGregor also apologised to the club's supporters and said responsibility rested with the players as well as the coaching staff.

The elimination is Celtic's second consecutive exit at this point of Champions League qualifying. They were beaten on penalties by Kairat Almaty at the play-off stage last season, a result that preceded the end of Brendan Rodgers' second spell as manager. O'Neill later helped steady the club and guided it to another domestic league title and the Scottish Cup.

Celtic must now recover while completing their transfer business without the revenue that would have accompanied qualification. O'Neill said the club would have to pick itself up, while noting that a place in the Champions League could have made Celtic a more attractive destination for prospective signings. LASK advance after a comeback that former Celtic figures Scott Brown and Neil Lennon both said was deserved.