Celtic 3 - 0 Linz ASK - Match Report & Highlights
August 21, 2026 ·
Celtic managed to beat LASK 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, thanks to goals from Benjamin Nygren and two goals from Camilo Duran. This match also saw two LASK goals disallowed, and the second leg will be held next week.
Celtic 3 - 0 Linz ASK - Match Report & Highlights
According to Skysports.
Background
Celtic, as a Champions League club, showed an impressive performance with a combination of new and existing players, such as Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran. Both have experience in the Champions League, which is expected to have a significant impact on the team's journey in this competition. With the second leg coming up, their performance will be crucial in deciding Celtic's fate in the UEFA Champions League.
Why this is important
The 3-0 win gives Celtic a significant lead in their bid to return to the Champions League after being knocked out in the play-offs last year. Goals from Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran showed the team's strong attacking potential, which is very important for this season. With the second leg coming up, Celtic have a great opportunity to go further in Europe's elite competition.
Main Points
- Celtic 3 - 0 Linz ASK - Match Report & Highlights.
- Celtic managed to beat LASK with a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, thanks to goals from Benjamin Nygren and two goals from Camilo Duran.
- Celtic 3 - 0 Linz ASK - Match Report & Highlights.
Celtic took a big step towards a return to the Champions League after stunning goals from Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran. After being knocked out in the play-offs last year, Celtic almost got off to a bad start when Moses Usor managed to score against Celtic just seconds after kick-off. However, the celebration was cut short by the offside flag.
The home side managed to get past the tension before Nygren opened the scoring for Celtic, when he managed to curl Kieran Tierney's cross into the top corner. Samuel Adeniran also had a goal but it was ruled out again for offside before Duran equalized with his first goal at Parkhead after meeting Tierney's cross with a powerful shot.
However, Duran didn't stop there. He scored the second goal again after collaborating with the club's new recruit, Kasper Hogh. Both of them, who scored 10 goals in the Champions League last season, showed their quality at the start of this season. Despite leading 3-0, LASK continues to pose a threat, seeking to reach Europe's elite competition for the first time.
The second leg match will take place in Linz on Tuesday. Key moments from Celtic Park include:
- LASK SCORE AN EARLY GOAL BUT IT WAS CANCELED! Usor darted into the top right corner, but the celebration was cut short by the offside flag.
- Another Big Chance! Adeniran gets past Carter-Vickers, but his shot goes wide.
- Celtic's First Chance! Duran works the ball and shoots, but Jungwirth saves.
- CELTIC GOAL! Tierney's pass fell to Nygren, who scooped the ball and scored into the top right corner.
- LASK SCORES THE GOAL AGAIN BUT IT'S CANCELED! Adeniran heads the ball into the bottom corner, but he's offside.
- CELTIC GOAL! LASK clears Tierney's cross, but the ball falls to Duran outside the area and he scores.
- SAVE! Baur takes an ambitious shot from outside the area, but straight at Jungwirth.
- HIT THE POLE! McGregor fires a shot from long range which hits the post.
- HUGE SAVE! Usor is stopped by Sinisalo at close range! Another opportunity wasted by LASK.
- CELTIC GOAL! A quick counterattack ends with Duran collaborating with Nygren before pushing the ball into the net.
- SAVE! Adeniran shoots from a tight angle. Sinisalo made another save to keep the clean sheet intact.
What was different a year ago? Eleven months after a shock exit at this stage by Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty, the Scottish champions have one foot in the group stages after this first leg. Although much criticism has been leveled at the Celtic board, they deserve praise. New signing Camilo Duran stole the show with two superb goals, while another signing, Mika Baur, was perhaps Man of the Match on his home debut.
With over £30m invested in the aforementioned acquisitions, Celtic appear to be in much better shape compared to last year. With the potential arrival of more players before the transfer window closes on September 3 and a potential £40m expected if they move forward, Celtic are looking to the future with optimism.
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill called for caution despite their impressive 3-0 win over LASK. "I thought there were periods where we played really fantastic. But there were also periods where they played well. It was like a basketball game, especially in the first half. We were a little lucky. They had a great shot in the first minute that was a little offside. They also had a good chance after that, so they started better and it took us a while to recover. But when we did, we scored a great goal by Nygren to take the pressure off, give us the lead, and Duran's two goals were fantastic. But, the game was still very even."
Celtic captain Callum McGregor, speaking to TNT Sports, insisted: "We're trying to get the club back into the Champions League. It's only half way, but a fantastic performance. We have to get this done next week. On Duran: 'Two great finishes, we've seen that in pre-season. He's a real threat. What I like about him is he's always pushing back. The team is good and doing well. We're always trying to work and get better. Confidence is growing; it's only half way. Is the club going in the right direction? "It's our job to creates an atmosphere and brings happiness. It is important to strengthen. It's a small step and we have a very tough game next week."
What happened next
The second leg will take place in Linz on Tuesday, where Celtic must maintain their lead to book a place in the Champions League group stages. LASK, despite the defeat, showed a real threat and will try hard to turn things around at their home ground. This match will be a big test for Celtic to maintain their momentum and focus in chasing their Champions League dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goal in the Celtic vs Linz ASK match?
The goals in the match were scored by Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran.
What is the final score of the Celtic vs Linz ASK match?
The final score of the match is Celtic 3 - 0 Linz ASK.
How will the result of this match impact Celtic's position in the Champions League?
This result gives Celtic a big step towards their return to the Champions League after being knocked out in the play-offs last year.
When does the second leg between Celtic and Linz ASK take place?
The second leg match will take place in Linz on Tuesday.
Were there any goals disallowed in this match?
Yes, LASK scored an early goal but it was ruled out for offside, and Samuel Adeniran also had a goal ruled out for offside.