LASK 1-1 Celtic: Hosts fight back after defensive error in Champions League qualifier

Celtic were held to a 1-1 draw by LASK at half-time in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League preliminary-round tie, although the Scottish side remain firmly in control after winning the first meeting 3-0 at Celtic Park.

Celtic took the lead after 21 minutes when Tierney’s effort took a deflection off a LASK defender. The change of direction deceived the goalkeeper and the ball found the net, giving the visitors an advantage in the second leg and adding to their commanding aggregate lead.

LASK responded 11 minutes later to level the match. A serious defensive mistake while attempting to play the ball back to the goalkeeper presented the Austrian side with an opportunity, and Moses Usor took full advantage by finishing into an unguarded net.

The equaliser ensured the teams went into the interval level at 1-1. Celtic had created the clearest openings during the early stages, but LASK were able to recover from conceding first and remain in the contest on the night.

Kasper Høgh went close to extending Celtic’s lead in the 14th minute. The forward found space close to goal and got his shot away, but the LASK goalkeeper made the save.

Five minutes into the game, Celtic had also threatened through Mika Power. His effort travelled narrowly past the goalkeeper’s left-hand post, providing an early warning for the home side before Celtic eventually opened the scoring.

Haytham Hassan was named among the substitutes for Celtic for a third successive match. The player joined the club during the summer transfer window and was again available from the bench for the return fixture in Austria.

The match is the second meeting between the sides in the preliminary rounds of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League. Celtic’s 3-0 victory in the first leg, played at Celtic Park in Scotland, gave them a substantial advantage before the return match.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 27 August at 18:00. It will be held after all of the clubs progressing from the preliminary rounds have been confirmed.

The latest score at the break was therefore LASK 1-1 Celtic, with Tierney putting the visitors ahead in the 21st minute before Usor restored parity for the Austrian hosts in the 32nd minute.