Arabic version: سلتيك يهدر تقدماً بأربعة أهداف في انهيار أمام لاسك بدوري أبطال أوروبا

According to BBC News, Celtic suffered a 5-1 extra-time defeat at LASK, losing the Champions League tie 5-4 on aggregate after holding a 4-0 overall lead. Captain Callum McGregor criticised the team’s display, describing his teammates as “passive” and “scared”.

McGregor opened the scoring with a deflected effort, seemingly strengthening Celtic’s control of the tie. However, Benjamin Nygren’s loose pass led to LASK’s equaliser on the night. The Austrian side then cut the aggregate deficit further early in the second half, with Auston Trusty blamed for being brushed off the ball.

LASK scored a third goal 10 minutes later and eventually found a fourth in the 90th minute to force extra time. Celtic did not register a shot on target in the second half of normal time or during extra time. LASK had 40 shots in total, following 20 attempts in the first leg.

Manager Martin O’Neill said he took responsibility after what he called one of his worst nights in football. His five substitutions in 12 minutes did not halt LASK’s momentum, and Celtic’s depleted defensive line included Anthony Ralston, Dane Murray, Trusty and Liam Scales. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kasper Hogh were both struggling physically.

LASK missed a penalty before scoring a fifth goal, with Luke McCowan identified as the Celtic player who made the decisive error. The result brings another Champions League play-off exit for Celtic and renews scrutiny of the squad’s depth, including the lack of a back-up left-back for Kieran Tierney and a more physical midfield presence.