Dietmar Kuhbauer, Head Coach of LASK arrives at the stadium before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill’s side travelled to Austria holding a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg and looked to have one foot in the league phase when Callum McGregor struck to put Celtic 4-0 ahead on aggregate.
What followed was one of the most extraordinary collapses in the club’s European history.
LASK scored five times to win 5-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate, dumping Celtic out of the Champions League despite the enormous advantage they once held.
And the assessment from inside the victorious home dressing room only makes for more painful reading from a Celtic perspective.
LASK manager Dietmar Kühbauer revealed the belief his players had that they could achieve what had appeared almost impossible before kick-off – while insisting his side completely dominated the Scottish champions.
Kühbauer said via Sky Sports Austria: “It’s an incredible feeling. The way the lads played today, they simply have to qualify for the Champions League.
“Of course, we know the competition is even tougher there. But I think Celtic is also a good opponent.
“We completely dominated them today, and all the statistics show that. I really take my hat off to this team because they essentially made the impossible possible.
“That’s why I’m very, very happy to be their coach.”
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