Adeniran extra-time winner completes LASK’s remarkable turnaround against Celtic

LASK produced a dramatic 5-1 victory over Celtic to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit and reach the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase, completing one of the most extraordinary comebacks in qualifying history.

Celtic appeared to be in control of the play-off tie after winning the first leg 3-0, but LASK fought back in Austria to win 5-4 on aggregate. Samuel Adeniran scored twice, including the decisive goal in extra time, as the home side recovered from conceding first.

Egypt international Haitham Hassan remained on the Celtic bench for the entire match and was not introduced.

Callum McGregor put Celtic ahead in the 21st minute, a goal that seemed to put the Scottish side on course to complete the job and secure their place in the league phase.

LASK responded before half-time, with Moses Usor equalising in the 32nd minute. The Austrian side then continued to apply pressure after the interval and moved ahead on the night when Robert Ljubicic scored in the 48th minute.

The momentum was firmly with the hosts and their sustained pressure produced a third goal in the 58th minute, when Samuel Adeniran found the net to reduce Celtic’s aggregate advantage to 3-4.

Celtic were unable to stem LASK’s attacking surge. Florian Flecker scored in the 90th minute to make it 4-1 on the night and level the tie at 4-4 overall, sending the contest into extra time.

LASK completed the turnaround in the 109th minute when Adeniran scored his second goal of the game with a powerful strike. The goal put the Austrian club ahead for the first time in the tie and ultimately secured their place in the Champions League league phase.

Adeniran had the opportunity to add another goal late in extra time but missed a penalty in the 115th minute. His earlier strike, however, proved decisive as LASK held on to eliminate Celtic despite losing the first leg by three goals.

The result means LASK advance to the league phase of the Champions League, while Celtic exit the competition after one of the most notable comebacks of the qualifying rounds.

Video clips of the key moments showed McGregor giving Celtic the lead, Usor restoring parity for LASK, Flecker’s late goal making the aggregate score 4-4 and Adeniran’s extra-time effort sealing the Austrian side’s qualification.

The match was also being discussed by supporters on the Kooora forums.