Celtic hosted LASK at Celtic Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the first leg of their crucial UEFA Champions League playoff tie. The Celtic vs LASK clash carried major importance, with the winner over two legs set to advance directly into the lucrative Champions League group stage.
Celtic entered the match in strong form at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while Austrian champions LASK arrived on an eight-match winning streak across all competitions. The first leg was played in Glasgow before the return fixture in Linz on August 25.
Celtic vs LASK Match Context and Form
Celtic came into the tie determined to avoid another playoff disappointment after their elimination by Kairat Almaty last season. Their domestic form had been encouraging, with the Hoops leading the Scottish Premiership and looking to use home advantage to build a strong first-leg position.
LASK, meanwhile, arrived with serious momentum. The Austrian club had recently won their first Bundesliga title since 1965 and carried an eight-game winning streak into Glasgow. Their run of results had made them a difficult opponent despite Celtic’s stronger home record and experience in European competition.
The Celtic vs LASK tie was also significant financially, with qualification for the league phase offering the winner a place among Europe’s biggest clubs.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Celtic were without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was suspended for both legs, while right-back Alistair Johnston missed the first match entirely because of a hamstring injury.
New signing Mika Baur was heavily tipped to make his first start for the Scottish champions as the club looked to inject fresh energy into the lineup.
LASK arrived without the same level of suspension concerns and were expected to rely on the confidence built during their eight-match winning run.
How to Watch and Match Details
The first leg was played at Celtic Park, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM BST. UK viewers could watch the game live on TNT Sports 1, while viewers in the United States could stream the match on HBO Max.
The return leg was scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.
Full-Time Update
Celtic secured a convincing 3-0 victory over LASK at Celtic Park, taking control of the first leg with a strong attacking display. Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring before Camilo Durán added two goals to complete the victory, while Celtic’s defense and goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo kept a clean sheet.
Key Match Moments
1′ Disallowed Goal – LASK: Moses Usor fires a brilliant half-volley into the top-right corner, but the goal is ruled out for offside.
3′ Chance – LASK: Samuel Adeniran breaks clear but drags his shot wide.
9′ Chance – Celtic: Camilo Durán forces a diving save from Lukas Jungwirth.
26′ Goal – Celtic 1-0 LASK: Benjamin Nygren curls a first-time strike into the top-right corner after receiving a precise ball from Kieran Tierney.
35′ Disallowed Goal – LASK: Samuel Adeniran heads into the bottom corner, but the goal is ruled out for offside.
38′ Goal – Celtic 2-0 LASK: Camilo Durán unleashes a powerful volley from 25 yards after LASK fails to clear a Tierney cross.
45′ Half-Time: Celtic take a 2-0 lead into the break.
51′ Chance – Celtic: Mika Baur tests Jungwirth with a long-range volley.
56′ Hit the Post – Celtic: Callum McGregor’s powerful shot takes a deflection off Kasper Høgh and strikes the inside of the post.
62′ Chance – LASK: Moses Usor is denied from close range by Viljami Sinisalo.
63′ Substitution – Celtic: Reo Hatate replaces Mika Baur.
64′ Substitution – LASK: Alessandro Schöpf replaces Kryštof Daněk.
67′ Goal – Celtic 3-0 LASK: Camilo Durán completes his brace after a quick one-two with Benjamin Nygren, curling into the far corner.
75′ Substitution – Celtic: Liam Scales replaces Kieran Tierney.
76′ Chance – LASK: Samuel Adeniran shoots from a tight angle, but Sinisalo makes another important save.
81′ Yellow Card – LASK: Kasper Jørgensen is booked for a mistimed challenge.
82′ Substitutions – Celtic: Haissem Hassan replaces Colby Donovan, while Anthony Ralston comes on for Camilo Durán.
90′ Full-Time: Celtic complete a dominant 3-0 victory at Celtic Park to take a commanding advantage from the first leg.
Celtic finished with eight corners to LASK’s three, while LASK were caught offside five times compared with Celtic’s one. Sinisalo made nine saves for Celtic, while Jungwirth recorded four saves for LASK.
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