LASK needs a near-perfect match for a comeback: prediction for LASK vs Celtic
The return leg of the Champions League qualification playoff round between LASK and Celtic will take place on August 25, 2026, at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz. After the first encounter, the Austrian champions trail 0-3, so the hosts need a massive comeback to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the main stage.
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LASK: The first-leg scoreline flattered Celtic
Dietmar Kühbauer’s side entered the opening match on the back of four straight wins to start the season, including a 7-0 rout in the Austrian Cup and three confident victories in the league. However, in Glasgow, LASK conceded three unanswered goals and now find themselves in a daunting position.
Despite the scoreline, the Austrians created plenty of chances: they fired 20 shots, scored twice from offside positions, and actually outperformed Celtic on xG - 1.58 to 0.93. At home, LASK have not lost in their last eight official matches, although they failed to win any of their previous five European home games.
Celtic: The advantage allows for a pragmatic approach
The Scots made the most of their opportunities in the first leg. Benjamín Nygren found the net once, while Camilo Duran struck twice, with all three goals coming from spectacular efforts around the penalty area.
Celtic have won all four official matches at the start of the 2026/27 season, previously defeating Dundee 1-0, Kilmarnock 5-1, and Dundee United 4-0. Now, the team just needs to wisely manage their three-goal cushion to book a return to the Champions League main stage.
Match facts
- The first match ended with a 3-0 victory for Celtic.
- LASK recorded 20 shots and outperformed their opponent on xG - 1.58 to 0.93.
- Celtic have won all four official matches in the 2026/27 season.
The hosts will push forward and open up the game: prediction for LASK vs Celtic
LASK have nothing to lose, so Kühbauer’s men will be forced to take risks from the opening whistle. On home turf, the Austrians are capable of converting at least some of the chances they missed in Glasgow.
However, this open style will create space for Celtic’s rapid counterattacks, and the visitors have enough attacking quality to capitalize. The hosts might avoid defeat, but overturning a three-goal deficit will be an enormous challenge.
