Celtic give up four-goal lead to crash out of Champions League to LASK

Celtic endured a historic European humiliation, throwing away a four-goal aggregate lead against LASK Linz to be eliminated from the Champions League playoffs. The Scottish champions suffered a devastating 5-1 defeat in Austria, marking one of their worst-ever European performances and missing out on the lucrative league stage for the second year running.

The tie seemed comfortably in hand when Callum McGregor scored in the 21st minute, extending Celtic's aggregate lead to 4-0. However, the team's grip on the match slipped away dramatically. Moses Usor capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize on the night for LASK in the 32nd minute, providing the Austrian side with a crucial lifeline.

LASK's remarkable comeback gained momentum early in the second half. Robert Ljubicic leveled the aggregate score with a strike from outside the box, and Samuel Adeniran then put the Austrian champions ahead with a curling shot from 25 yards. Florian Flecker's header in stoppage time forced the match into extra time, where Adeniran scored the decisive goal, sealing Celtic's fate.

The collapse represents a significant blow to Celtic, not only in terms of European prestige but also financially, with the club missing out on over £20 million. Questions are already being raised about squad decisions, including the sale of Arne Engels, and the team's midfield control in the second leg. Celtic will now compete in the Europa League.

“

This is a not-so-subtle threat to demolish the Kennedy Center if the President doesn't get his way. This is unconscionable, it is unbecoming of the Department of Justice to even put this in a filing, and we will answer in court.