Leaving Linz this morning and I’m still struggling to comprehend what unfolded last night | OneFootball

A shocking capitulation from Celtic and a night that ranks among the darkest in the club’s European history…

Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic reacts after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

Six consecutive defeats in Champions League qualifiers is deplorable. Martin O’Neill’s side got what they deserved over the two games.

LASK v Celtic, full-time view from the Celtic end. Photo Conor Spence

Leaving Linz this morning and I’m still struggling to comprehend what unfolded last night.

I did not see that coming at all. Might have been naivety, but I believed Celtic had added enough quality during the transfer window to navigate this tie and, with another few additions, give the Champions League a proper go this season.

Now, I think there has to be a major reassessment of where this squad actually is. Individual errors proved costly for all five goals and the impact from the bench was disastrous. The players and coaching staff totally mismanaged the game.

The feel-good factor from the opening weeks of the season has been completely obliterated in the space of 120 minutes. Six consecutive Champions League qualification failures is humiliating. Having spoke to more than a few who were in Almaty 12 months ago, this is worse.

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

A shocking capitulation. It’s difficult to imagine how Martin O’Neill begins to pick the players up after a collapse of that magnitude.

Celtic players pose for a team photograph before during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

Conor Spence

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