A night that was supposed to be Celtic’s final comfortable step toward the UEFA Champions League turned into one of the club’s most painful European collapses, as the Scottish side surrendered a commanding advantage against Austria’s LASK and suffered a 5-1 extra-time defeat in the second leg of the playoff.

Celtic arrived with a major cushion after winning the first leg 3-0 and appeared to have all but ended the tie when Callum McGregor opened the scoring in the 21st minute.

However, the match dramatically changed from that point, with Egyptian international Haitham Hassan watching the entire collapse from the bench without being introduced.

Collapse After the Advantage

LASK quickly showed they were not ready to surrender, leveling the match in the 32nd minute before producing relentless pressure after halftime that Celtic were unable to contain.

The Austrian side added two more goals in the 48th and 58th minutes before scoring a fourth in stoppage time, sending the tie into extra time.

With Celtic desperately trying to regain control, LASK struck the decisive fifth goal in the 109th minute. They even had the chance to make it six when they were awarded a penalty in the 115th minute, but Celtic’s goalkeeper saved the spot kick.

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Based on the two match results, LASK progressed 5-4 on aggregate, overturning their three-goal first-leg deficit in a remarkable European playoff comeback.

Hassan Watches From the Bench

Haitham Hassan remained among Celtic’s substitutes throughout the match and did not feature, despite having appeared in the closing minutes of the 3-0 first-leg victory.

The Egyptian international joined Celtic from Real Oviedo during the summer transfer window, but manager Martin O’Neill chose not to use him on a night that ended with his side’s Champions League elimination.

LASK consequently secured their place in the Champions League league phase, while Celtic will now continue their European campaign in the UEFA Europa League.

The manner of the elimination will make the defeat particularly difficult for Celtic supporters. The Scottish champions were not chasing a comeback or attempting to overturn a deficit; they started the night three goals ahead, scored again away from home, and still allowed the entire advantage to disappear in one of the most dramatic collapses of the European qualifying rounds.