Celtic Suffers Humiliating Champions League Exit After Losing 4-5 Aggregate Lead

Exactly ten years after Hapoel Be'er Sheva nearly completed a remarkable comeback against Celtic, the Scottish club itself faced a crushing defeat in the Champions League qualifiers. Despite holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg against LASK Linz, Celtic lost 5-1 in Austria after extra time on Tuesday, resulting in a humiliating 5-4 aggregate elimination. Celtic initially led 1-0 in the away match and were up 4-0 on aggregate before conceding four goals in regular time and one more in extra time.

The British media harshly criticized Celtic's performance and manager Martin O'Neill. The Sun described the team's display as "embarrassing and pathetic." Former player and commentator Stiliyan Petrov blamed everyone, emphasizing that a club of Celtic's stature should have maintained such a significant lead. Neil Lennon, also a former player and manager turned commentator, said LASK dismantled Celtic and suggested the defeat could have been even heavier.

O'Neill accepted full responsibility for the loss, recalling his painful experience after losing the 2003 UEFA Cup final and expressing deep disappointment over this defeat, which he said was a match they had to win. He also noted that plans for new signings hinged on progressing in the competition, which now will not happen. Team captain Callum McGregor admitted the team was fearful and passive, apologized to fans and the club, and acknowledged there was no excuse for losing in such a manner and missing out on the Champions League.