Celtic takes commanding 2-0 lead after LASK’s early opener ruled out in Champions League play-off

Celtic Park was barely settled into its seats when LASK thought they had pulled off the ultimate smash-and-grab opener. The Austrian champions found the net within moments of kick-off on August 19, 2026, only for the linesman’s flag to cut the celebration short. Offside. Rather than rattling the hosts, the disallowed goal seemed to wake them up. Celtic responded by taking firm control of proceedings, scoring twice before half-time to take a 2-0 lead in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round. A tale of two halves (of one half) A second LASK effort was also chalked off during the first half. Two goals disallowed in 45 minutes is the kind of stat line that would test any team’s composure. Celtic broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, then doubled their advantage shortly after. By the time the referee blew for half-time, the scoreline was 2-0. Martin O’Neill’s side looked every bit a team with unfinished business on the European stage. Last season, Celtic were eliminated at this exact point in the qualification pathway, falling to Kairat Almaty. First meeting, contrasting legacies This tie marked the first-ever competitive encounter between Celtic and LASK. Celtic’...