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Celtic eliminated from Champions League play-offs after aggregate collapse against LASK
Manager Martin O'Neill accepted responsibility after Celtic squandered a four-goal aggregate lead in Austria.
The short version
- Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs following a 5-4 aggregate defeat after extra time against Austrian side LASK.
- The Scottish champions surrendered a four-goal aggregate lead during a second-half collapse at the Raiffeisen Arena.
- Manager Martin O'Neill took full responsibility for the exit, acknowledging the loss deprives the club of significant financial revenue and prestige.
- Celtic must now refocus ahead of the closing transfer window without Champions League qualification to attract prospective targets.
Key facts
- Celtic lost 5-4 on aggregate to LASK after extra time in the Champions League play-offs at the Raiffeisen Arena.[BBC News]
- Celtic held a four-goal aggregate lead before suffering a second-half collapse.[BBC News]
- Manager Martin O'Neill stated after the match that he takes full responsibility for the defeat.[BBC News]
- Captain Callum McGregor publicly apologized to supporters and stated the team was passive and lacked composure during the match.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The extent to which missing out on Champions League qualification will impact Celtic's remaining transfer window activity.[BBC News]
Sources
- O'Neill takes responsibility with nowhere to hide for CelticBBC News - Top Stories