Scintillating performance leaves Celtic within touching distance of Champions League | OneFootball

Celtic beat Austrian champions LASK last night in a scintillating game at Celtic Park as they put one foot firmly into the Champions League draw next Thursday…

Cameron Carter-Vickers in action during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It was a fantastic result for us Celtic fans, but for the neutral it was a fantastic game to watch, that the commentary team on TNT Sports quite rightly described as like a basketball game at times.

Celtic surprisingly came out slowly after such a great atmosphere conjured up by the fans in the stadium in the build up to kick off.

LASK, who I thought would be the ones shook by the early atmosphere, actually started like a hare out of the traps and completely caught Celtic on the back foot. There is no doubt that a mixture of offside calls and bad finishing saved our blushes in those early stages.

Once Celtic settled however we could see we were going to have a proper game on our hands with both teams looking to attack, while also looking slightly fragile defensively.

Colby Donovan of Celtic is challenged by George Bello of LASK during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Cameron Carter-Vickers, who I think is still getting up to speed after yet another serious injury last season, looked extremely laboured in the opening 15 minutes but certainly grew into the game and was excellent defensively during the rest of the game.

While we looked a bit suspect at the back, we looked dangerous going forward. The arrival of players like Kasper Høgh and Camilo Duran have revitalised our attack. The difference between tonight and last year against Kairat was night and day.

Benjamin Nygren of Celtic scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Our attacking play is a joy to watch at times and when Haissem Hassan gets fully fit it will be even easier on the eye. I guarantee when he gets up to speed he’s going to be another we will be drooling over.

The goals were things of beauty. I can’t remember a game where we have scored so many world class goals. If this was an English team scoring these goals in the Premier League the media would be absolutely fawning over how great they are.

Camilo Duran looks like he could be the steal of the century buying him for around £5m. As Callum McGregor and Martin O’Neill both said post game, it’s not just his goals, it’s his work rate too that make him such an asset.

Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammate Colby Donovan after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Duran was clear choice as Man of the Match but I have to say I thought Colby Donovan was absolutely immense too. That was easily has best game for Celtic and he has really taken his opportunity to cement himself as Celtic’s first choice right back in Alastair Johnston’s absence.

Hopefully whatever niggle he picked up is just that and nothing more serious.

Benjamin Nygren who has, in my opinion, been Celtic’s best player so far this season was also excellent last night. A player many of us questioned at times last season, he has definitely improved his all round game.

Last season he could be totally anonymous in games. This season he seems to be involved in everything good that happens in attack. He even seems to be making more an effort tracking back. Keep this form up and not many will be questioned the Swede again.

A shout out as well for Mika Baur who put in a big performance in his first Celtic start. He looks like yet another top signing who will certainly add a new dimension to our midfield.

I said in my last article he reminded me of Reo Hatate from a few seasons back and I feel even stronger about that after seeing him last night. Baur is the perfect replacement should the Japanese midfielder depart this summer.

A final word for LASK. During the first half the Austrians actually reminded me of Celtic in certain games when we have went up against better teams in Europe. They played some good football, created some decent chances but ultimately failed to take them.

They then ended up being buried by a few moments of magic at the other end. They will certainly learn from this. We must give everything and remain switched on at all times next week. LASK have proven they are a good side and it’s imperative we don’t give them any hope, especially early on.

Martin O’Neill however proved last season that he has plenty of nous when it comes to away games in Europe so I’m pretty confident we will be able to see this one over the line.

What a night!

Hail Hail!

Conall McGinty

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