«We were losing 0-4, but we kept fighting»
According to Championat.
Context
Sascha Horvath, LASK captain, was instrumental in the turnaround, leading the team with his determination and competitive spirit. His ability to motivate his teammates and his experience in critical moments will be essential for LASK in the group stage of the Champions League, where they will face even greater challenges.
Why this matters
LASK's comeback in the tie against Celtic not only guarantees their presence in the main stage of the 2026/27 Champions League, but also demonstrates the team's strength and determination. This achievement marks a historic moment for the Austrian club, who now join the elite of European football, while Celtic find themselves relegated to the Europa League, where they will have to re-evaluate their approach to the season.
Main conclusions
- «We were losing 0-4, but we kept fighting».
- Sascha Horvath, LASK captain, highlighted the team's resilience in the comeback against Celtic: a 5-1 victory in the second leg after a 0-3 defeat in the first, guaranteeing the main stage of the 2026/27 Champions League.
- «Мы проигрывали 0:4, no продолжали сражаться». Капитан ЛАСКа — о камбэке с «Селтиком» в ЛЧ.
LASK signed one of the great recent stories of the European qualifying rounds by sealing their presence in the main stage of the 2026/27 Champions League with a memorable comeback against Celtic. After losing 0-3 in the first play-off game, the Austrian team won 5-1 in the second leg, sealing qualification and sending the Scots to the main stage of the Europa League.
In the aftermath of the match, captain Sascha Horvath underlined LASK's competitive spirit and the belief that sustained the somersault on the global leaderboard. In statements reproduced by the official UEFA website, the Austrian midfielder recalled that, at a certain point in the tie, the aggregate scored 0-4, but the group refused to give up, maintaining the pressure until achieving victory by impressive numbers. Horvath classified what happened as “a true football miracle” and highlighted the festive atmosphere in the locker room after an outcome that will be etched in the club's memory.
The play-off is the last obstacle before the main stage of the Champions League and, for LASK, the sporting and emotional impact of this qualification is undeniable. The team knew how to respond to the heavy disadvantage of the first leg, transforming an almost impossible scenario into a resounding victory against an opponent accustomed to big European nights. The 5-1 victory in the second leg, added to the previous 0-3, resulted in a complete change in the narrative, rewarding Austrian ambition, intensity and effectiveness.
For Celtic, who had entered the second match with a comfortable margin, the outcome reflects the toughness of European qualifiers at this level, where one bad day can compromise all previous work. Despite the frustration, the Scots continue to have a guaranteed European presence, moving to the main stage of the Europa League, a competition where they are usually candidates to progress in the knockout rounds.
On an individual level, the captain's voice gained particular importance. Horvath, a reference for leadership in the locker room, personified LASK's attitude: positive aggressiveness, belief and solidarity between sectors to keep the European dream alive, even when the numbers seemed insurmountable. The message, shared by UEFA, reflects the state of mind of a team that refused to accept its fate and found the strength to turn the tie around.
With this result, LASK secures a place among the continent's elite in the 2026/27 season. Presence in the main phase of the Champions League offers a stage, visibility and high-level challenges, in addition to validating the work carried out by the squad and technical team throughout the European summer. Celtic will have the opportunity to react in the Europa League, where they will seek to recover and correct what they failed in the second leg.
A night for LASK history, guided by one slogan that ran through the 90 minutes: believe.
What happens next
With qualification for the Champions League assured, LASK is now preparing to face high-level opponents in the group stage. The team must maintain the same intensity and resilience that they demonstrated against Celtic, while Celtic will have to focus on the Europa League, where they will seek to regain their confidence and competitive rhythm after their disappointment in the Champions League.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between LASK and Celtic in the Champions League?
LASK beat Celtic 5-1 in the second leg of the play-off.
How was the aggregate between LASK and Celtic after the two games?
The aggregate was 5-4 in favor of LASK, after losing 0-3 in the first game.
What is the impact of LASK's victory on the Champions League table?
LASK's victory guaranteed their presence in the main stage of the 2026/27 Champions League.
What will be LASK's next game after the victory over Celtic?
LASK's next game will be in the main phase of the Champions League, but the date and opponent have not yet been announced.
What did the LASK captain say about the turnaround in the game?
Captain Sascha Horvath highlighted the team's competitive spirit and classified the turnaround as 'a true football miracle'.