LASK vs Celtic: LASK Complete Stunning Comeback to Beat Celtic 5-1 and Reach Champions League
Samuel Adeniran’s extra-time winner seals a remarkable 5-4 aggregate victory after LASK overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit.
LASK produced one of the most dramatic Champions League play-off comebacks in recent memory, defeating Celtic 5-1 after extra time to secure a 5-4 aggregate victory at Raiffeisen Arena.
The Austrian side entered the second leg trailing 3-0 from the first meeting. However, an incredible fightback, inspired by Samuel Adeniran, turned the tie around and booked LASK’s place in the Champions League group stage.
For Celtic, it was another painful exit at the play-off stage, meaning the Scottish club will continue its European campaign in the Europa League for the second consecutive season.
UEFA Champions League Official Website:
Celtic Started Perfectly Before Everything Changed
Celtic looked in complete control during the opening stages of the match.
In the 21st minute, captain Callum McGregor fired the visitors into the lead. His effort took a deflection off Alemao before looping over goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth, extending Celtic’s aggregate advantage to 4-0.
At that moment, qualification seemed almost certain.
However, LASK refused to give up.
LASK’s Comeback Began Before Half-Time
The momentum shifted in the 32nd minute after a costly mistake from Celtic.
Benjamin Nygren’s misplaced back pass gifted Moses Usor a golden opportunity, and the winger calmly rolled the ball into the empty net to give the home crowd hope.
The goal completely changed the atmosphere inside Raiffeisen Arena.
Second Half Turned Into a Nightmare for Celtic
LASK came out with renewed confidence after the break.
Just three minutes into the second half, Robert Ljubicic found space outside the penalty area and drilled a low finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 on the night.
Soon after, Samuel Adeniran produced the moment of the match.
The American striker curled a stunning long-range strike from around 25 yards beyond Viljami Sinisalo, bringing LASK within one goal on aggregate and setting up a tense finish.
VAR Confirms the Equaliser
As time ran out, LASK continued to pile on the pressure.
In the 90th minute, Krystof Danek’s header was initially saved by Sinisalo. Fortunately for the hosts, Florian Flecker reacted quickest to score the rebound.
The goal was checked by VAR for a possible offside, but it was eventually awarded.
That decision forced the tie into extra time.
Adeniran Delivers the Winning Goal
Extra time belonged to Samuel Adeniran.
During the second period, he drove a low shot into the bottom corner to complete LASK’s incredible turnaround and give his team a 5-4 aggregate lead.
The striker even had the chance to complete a hat-trick after Reo Hatate conceded a late penalty. Although Sinisalo saved the spot kick, LASK successfully defended their advantage until the final whistle.
Samuel Adeniran Was the Difference
Adeniran delivered an outstanding performance throughout the night.
His impact went far beyond the winning goal.
- 2 goals scored
- 10 shots
- 11 touches inside the opposition box
- Constant pressure on Celtic’s defence
Meanwhile, Sascha Horvath also played a key creative role by creating six chances and completing 39 passes in the attacking third.
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Match Statistics Show LASK’s Dominance
The numbers reflected LASK’s attacking intent from start to finish.
| Match Stat | LASK | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 5 | 1 |
| Aggregate | 5-4 | 4-5 |
| Shots | 40 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 8 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 4.91 | 0.42 |
Despite both teams recording eight shots on target, LASK generated far more dangerous opportunities throughout the contest.
Another Disappointing European Exit for Celtic
Celtic entered the second leg with what appeared to be a comfortable three-goal cushion.
Instead, they suffered another painful Champions League play-off elimination.
After falling short at the same stage last season against Kairat Almaty, Celtic once again failed to secure a place among Europe’s elite clubs.
Manager Martin O’Neill had warned before kick-off that the night could become difficult, and those concerns ultimately proved accurate as LASK completed one of the competition’s biggest turnarounds.
Other Champions League Play-Off Results
Elsewhere in the play-offs, several teams also secured qualification after dramatic matches.
- Sabah defeated Hapoel Be’er Sheva 6-4 on aggregate after extra time.
- Bodo/Glimt comfortably beat 10-man NEC 3-0 in the second leg to complete a 6-1 aggregate victory.
These results completed another exciting night of Champions League qualification football across Europe.
Final Thoughts
LASK’s comeback will be remembered as one of the standout stories of this Champions League qualifying campaign.
Trailing by three goals before the second leg and even falling further behind during the match, the Austrian side never stopped attacking. Samuel Adeniran’s brilliant performance ultimately proved decisive, while Celtic were left wondering how such a commanding advantage slipped away.
The victory sends LASK into the Champions League proper, while Celtic must now shift their focus to the Europa League.
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