LASK Linz complete 4-0 comeback to clinch Champions League group stage over Celtic

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LASK Linz complete 4-0 comeback to clinch Champions League group stage over Celtic
NEC Nijmegen face near-impossible task after 3-1 home defeat to BodøGlimt in Champions League play-off
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LASK Linz secured a dramatic Champions League group-stage berth on Tuesday after overturning a 4-0 aggregate deficit against Celtic with a 5-1 victory in Linz, winning 5-4 on aggregate.
The Austrian champions trailed by four goals from the first leg but staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Moses Usor opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, followed by long-range strikes from Robert Ljubicic and Samuel Adeniran. Florian Flecker’s stoppage-time header forced extra time, where Adeniran delivered the decisive goal.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill took responsibility for the collapse, stating, “I’m responsible for this one. Without a doubt.” He added that the financial and prestige implications of missing the Champions League were significant, noting, “The qualification for the Champions League is major, it’s major in every aspect.”
Meanwhile, NEC Nijmegen’s Champions League campaign ended with a 3-0 loss to Bodø/Glimt, compounded by a third-minute red card for goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz. The Dutch side, already trailing 3-1 from the first leg, conceded goals to Fredrik Andre Bjørkan, Sondre Auklend, and an own goal by Deveron Fonville. NEC will now compete in the Europa League.
Bodø/Glimt’s victory extends their European success after reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last season. Manager Kjetil Knutsen’s team dominated, with Auklend and Hauge creating multiple chances.
In other developments, FC Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala remains sidelined after two on-field collapses during preseason matches, attributed to neurological dysfunction. Bayern and Germany manager Jürgen Klopp have offered support, with Klopp reassuring Musiala of his role in future plans. The club confirmed the issue has been managed internally since last season, with no special contract clauses in place.
Xavi Hernández was officially introduced as the Netherlands’ new head coach, emphasizing ambition and unity. “I want to create a great family and to win,” he said, adding, “I’m here to return the federation’s confidence.” His staff includes his brother Óscar Hernández, Sergio Alegre, and Iván Torres, alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy and Adil Ramzi.
Feyenoord supporters face a potential ban from an upcoming NEC match if perpetrators of a fireworks incident at SC Cambuur are not arrested. Nijmegen mayor Hubert Bruls stated that without arrests, Feyenoord fans would not be permitted to attend the September 5 fixture. Justice Minister David van Weel called for stricter stadium checks, describing the fireworks as “half a war arsenal.”
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