Celtic now know the opponent standing between them and the Champions League league phase.
Celtic will play Austrian champions LASK for a place in the league phase of the Champions League. Martin O’Neill’s side will host the first leg at Celtic Park on August 18 or 19, before travelling to Austria for the return fixture on August 25 or 26, according to Sky Sports. The losers of the tie will move into the Europa League league phase.
The Draw
The draw made on Monday paired Celtic with LASK in the Champions League play-off round. LASK arrive as Austrian champions, having won their domestic title last season.
Celtic are one of eight ties listed in the Champions League play-off draw. The schedule gives the Scottish side the opening match at Celtic Park, with the second leg taking place in Austria the following week.
A Clear Two-Legged Test
The outcome will be decided across two matches against a side that has won its domestic league. Celtic have home advantage for the first leg, but the return fixture away from home ensures that both teams will have a significant part to play in the tie.
There is no further qualifying hurdle identified for the loser of this particular match: defeat would send Celtic into the Europa League league phase, while victory would secure a place in the Champions League league phase.
Preparation Takes Centre Stage
With an opponent and dates now confirmed, attention can turn fully to Celtic’s preparation for the first leg. The fixture is close enough to the start of the season to place an immediate focus on the group available to O’Neill for the tie.
The play-off presents a defined challenge: Celtic must negotiate LASK over home and away legs to reach the Champions League league phase. The first match at Celtic Park will set the tone before the return in Austria on August 25 or 26.
What Is at Stake
The two possible outcomes are clear. Progression would take Celtic into the Champions League league phase. Defeat would place them in the Europa League league phase instead.
That makes both legs against LASK central to Celtic’s European route. The draw has removed uncertainty over the opponent, leaving the club with a specific two-match task in August.
Celtic’s fate in this round will be determined by their meetings with LASK. The first leg comes at Celtic Park on August 18 or 19, followed by the decisive return fixture in Austria the following week.
