LASK storms into the Champions League after 5:1 gala against Celtic

Among the goals for LASK were a brace from Samuel Adeniran, as well as strikes from Robert Ljubicic, Moses Usor, and Florian Flecker, who all added their names to the scoresheet. Adeniran, who stood out with two goals, was visibly moved after the final whistle. In his reaction, he summed up the mood in the Austrian club's camp.

Adeniran speaks of a dream

Adeniran said after the match: "Ich habe wirklich daran geglaubt, dass wir noch aufsteigen. Ich bin so stolz auf meine Kollegen nach 0:4 noch zurückzukommen. Ein Traum ist wahr geworden. Wir geben nie auf. Egal, welche Rückschläge wir hinnehmen müssen. Ich bin so sprachlos, es ist ein wunderbares Gefühl vor unseren Fans in die Champions League zu kommen. Ich haben schon so viel geweint. Viele haben nach dem 0:3 in Glasgow geglaubt es ist vorbei, wir nicht. Jetzt müssen wir für die Königsklasse bereit sein, jetzt beginnt die richtige Arbeit."

Tactics and workload

Head coach Didi Kühbauer had set the team up in an attacking configuration in the days following the first leg. That the tactical adjustment worked so effectively against the Scottish serial champions surprised many observers. Celtic, who had felt safe after the 4:0 in Glasgow, were barely able to withstand the pressure over the full ninety minutes and suffered defeat after defeat in European competition.

18 million euros in starting money

Reaching the Champions League league phase represents not only a sporting but also an economic milestone for LASK. According to sources close to the competition, the club will receive starting money of more than 18 million euros. This sum opens up new possibilities for the Upper Austrians in squad building and infrastructure.

Immediately after the final whistle, attention turned to the tasks ahead. In the league phase of the premier competition, opponents from all across Europe now await the Linz side. Kühbauer and his team know that with what they have achieved, the work is only just beginning. Anticipation for these matches is already palpable in the LASK camp.

Outlook on the league phase

For the fans in Linz, who pushed their team forward loudly throughout the match, the evening was an emotional high point. After the final whistle, they celebrated with the team on the pitch for minutes on end. LASK, known in recent years primarily as cup specialists, will thus play in the Champions League league phase for the first time in a long while, measuring themselves against the biggest clubs on the continent.

The gala also caused a stir off the pitch. International media reported on the historic evening for the Austrians. While those responsible are already looking ahead to upcoming tasks, one thing remains certain: on this August evening, LASK has made a statement and, with the 5:1 against Celtic Glasgow, written what is perhaps the greatest chapter in the club's recent history.

The rise to the Champions League also comes with a sporting promise for LASK. Those close to the club said the team had shown that they could perform even under the greatest pressure. The coming weeks will show how LASK deploys the additional resources and what role the Linz side intends to play on the international stage going forward.