Celtic's Humiliating Champions League Exit After Collapsing Four-Goal Lead

Celtic experienced a devastating Champions League play-off collapse, surrendering a three-goal first-leg advantage to LASK, who ultimately won 5-4 after extra time. This dramatic turn of events has sent the Scottish champions into the Europa League.

In what will be remembered as one of the most dismal nights in Celtic's European history, the team initially extended their lead to 4-0 on aggregate thanks to an early goal from Callum McGregor in Austria. However, the momentum shifted dramatically.

Despite goals from LASK's Moses Usor, Robert Ljubicic, and a stunning strike from Samuel Adeniran, Celtic were on the brink of securing a place in the Europa League group stage draw. But in the 90th minute, LASK substitute Florian Flecker headed home an equalizer, forcing the match into extra time.

The Austrian champions, fueled by newfound confidence and desire, seized control. Adeniran scored again in the 109th minute with a long-range effort, giving LASK the lead on aggregate for the first time. He had an opportunity to extend their advantage further from the penalty spot shortly after, following a foul by Reo Hatate on Krystof Danek, but Celtic's goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo managed to save the penalty, offering a glimmer of hope.

Ultimately, this lifeline was not enough. The final whistle confirmed Celtic's exit from the Champions League for the second consecutive season, a stark contrast to their earlier dominance. Last year, they were eliminated at the same stage on penalties against Kairat Almaty.

This year's failure, given the substantial four-goal aggregate lead they once held, will be particularly difficult to overcome. Celtic will once again participate in the Europa League league phase draw, scheduled for Friday.

Key Moments from Raiffeisen Arena

• 6': Big chance for Celtic as Yang plays a ball into the area, but the shot goes wide.
• 20': LASK creates two dangerous opportunities, with one shot hitting the post.
• 21': GOAL! Callum McGregor scores for Celtic, though it takes a slight deflection.
• 32': GOAL! LASK pulls one back due to a defensive error from Celtic.
• 48': GOAL! LASK scores from range, reducing Celtic's aggregate lead.
• 58': GOAL! LASK scores a spectacular goal from outside the box, increasing their belief.
• 90': GOAL! LASK equalizes on aggregate in the final minute of regular time, forcing extra time.
• 108': GOAL! Adeniran scores again from distance, putting LASK ahead on aggregate.
• 114': LASK is awarded a penalty after Hatate fouls Danek in the box.

O'Neill: "We should've been out of sight by half-time."

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed his disappointment, stating, "We should've been out of sight by half-time. We missed two great opportunities and then we gave them a lifeline right before half-time and then another one just after it. They came roaring back. That's my team, that's my responsibility." He added that despite the setback, "Talking about the squad is for another day" and acknowledged the massive disappointment, with the Europa League offering no consolation.

McGregor Issues Apology to Celtic Fans

Celtic's Callum McGregor admitted, "We got what we deserved. I thought we were passive all night. We actually looked scared to go and win the game." He also commented on the first leg, saying, "I don't think we were that good in the first leg either and we kind of got away with it." McGregor concluded by apologizing to the supporters and the club, stating, "There's no way we should lose that game. Now we have to see what character we have."

Fan Reactions: "Celtic were hapless, hopeless and humiliated"

Supporters expressed their dismay online:

• LJJ: "Absolutely embarrassing for Celtic... Maybe that's their level, but I don't think they deserve Europe at all after what I've just witnessed!"
• Jonny: "Celtic got what they deserved. They didn't exactly play well last week and were lucky to come away with three goals and decided to park the bus, just not good enough."
• Reinaldo7: "Worse than last year against Kairat... Hang your heads in shame boys, they weren't that special but made us look ordinary."
• Stevo: "I think this was worse than Kairat. Yes, it's not ideal losing on penalties to them, but to be 4-0 up and throw that all away, that's impressively shocking!"
• jcluk: "No more LASK chances for Celtic. They were hapless, hopeless and humiliated."

What Next for Celtic...

Celtic will now compete in the Europa League. The league phase draw, which includes teams like Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace, is scheduled for Friday at 12 pm UK time.