In the open air of the Raiffeisen Arena, with bedlam all around, there was nowhere to hide for Celtic or Martin O'Neill.
The Scottish champions had endured one of the darkest nights in their European history.
After going out to Kairat Almaty on penalties last year at this stage of the Champions League play-offs, that is saying something.
Four goals up on aggregate against LASK, O'Neill's Celtic somehow conspired to implode in a second half with little sign of a response on the way to a 5-4 aggregate loss following extra time.
There was no hiding place, and the Celtic manager was frank when put in the spotlight at full-time.

#celtic #champions #aggregate #raiffeisen

In the open air of the Raiffeisen Arena, with bedlam all around, there was nowhere to hide for Celtic or Martin O'Neill.
The Scottish champions had endured one of their darkest nights in their European history.
After going out to Kairat Almaty on penalties last year at this stage of the Champions League play-offs, that is saying something.
Four goals up on aggregate against LASK, O'Neill's Celtic somehow conspired to implode in a second half with little sign of a response on the way to a 5-4 aggregate loss.
There was no hiding place, and the Celtic manager was frank when put in the spotlight at full-time.

#celtic #champions #o 'neill

Austria ADMIRAL Bundesliga 20262027, Matchday 1, July 31, 2026 Linzer ASK LASK vs. Grazer AK 1902 GAK Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austria in Pictures Like the Phoenix Rising from the Ashes, Choreography, LASK Fans vs. GAK, Admiral Bundesliga, Raiffeisen Arena, Like the Phoenix Rising from the Ashes. Photo IMAGO
The Austrian champions have opened their ******* le defence with consecutive league wins and continued their perfect start by beating Austria Wien 2-0 on Sunday.
Attention will soon turn towards the Champions League play-off against Celtic, with the first leg at Celtic Park followed by the return meeting in Austria.
LASK will face a Hoops attack strengthened considerably during the summer window, with Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran already added to Martin O'Neill's squad and Haissem Hassan poised to further bolster the forward options.
And although Jungwirth did not directly reference Celtic, he acknowledged LASK could be punished by stronger opposition if they repeat some of the shortcomings from their weekend performance.

#celtic

Austria ADMIRAL Bundesliga 20262027, Matchday 1, July 31, 2026: Linzer ASK LASK vs. Grazer AK 1902 GAK at Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austria. Pictured: Goal celebration, goal, Samuel Oluwabukunmi Adeniran, LASK, against GAK. Photo IIMAGO
Celtic were yesterday drawn against Austrian Champions LASK in the Champions League play-offs, and are arguably the toughest side we could have faced from the list of teams in our half of the draw.
LASK won the Austrian double last year, and in a league that contains RB Salzburg, SK Sturm Graz and our old pals Rapid Vienna it's a magnificent achievement, and showcases the ability they undoubtedly possess.
Managed by former Austrian International Didi Kuhbauer, LASK won both of the top honours in Austria, only the second time they had won either trophy in their 126 year history.
Austria ADMIRAL Bundesliga 20262027, Matchday 1, July 31, 2026: Linzer ASK LASK vs. Grazer AK 1902 GAK at Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austriafeatured on SKY, interview with Dietmar Kuehbauer, coach, LASK, Dietmar Didi Kuehbauer, before the match against GAK, Raiffeisen Arena, Admiral Bundesliga. Photo IMAGO

#arena