What's happened
Celtic faces LASK in a two-legged Europa League play-off-style path for a place in the Champions League groups. First legs are scheduled for Aug. 18-19 with the return a week later. LASK won the Austrian Bundesliga last season and has a track record against Scottish sides; Celtic aims to advance after last season’s exit at this stage.
What's behind the headline?
The storyline
- Celtic has drawn LASK in the Champions League playoff path, with the winner advancing to the group stage. This marks a test against a club that described its league triumph as a 'fairytale' and is managed by Dietmar Kuhbauer.
What this means for Celtic
- The first leg at Celtic Park will be on Aug 18-19, with the return in Linz the following week. A win would keep Celtic on track for the group-stage draw slated for late August.
What to watch
- How Celtic exploits home advantage and how LASK’s recent league form translates to Europe.
How we got here
Celtic was drawn to play LASK after overcoming domestic rounds to reach the playoff stage. LASK claimed the Austrian Bundesliga title last season and ended a long wait for silverware, finishing two points ahead of Sturm Graz and capturing the Austrian Cup. The tie sets the stage for a potential showdown with Celtic hoping to reach the group stage.
Our analysis
AP News: Bodø/Glimt vs Union SG context; Independent: Celtic vs LASK draw details; The Scotsman: LASK background and potential fixtures; both The Scotsman and Independent provide context on LASK’s domestic success and past European ties. Direct quotes emphasize the ‘fairytale’ win and Kuhbauer’s reflection.
Go deeper
- Will Celtic win the playoff to reach the Champions League group stage?
- How will LASK’s league success translate to European competition?
- What are the potential playoff pairings if Celtic advances?
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