LASK STAR TAKES CHEEKY SWIPE AT CELTIC IN EXPLOSIVE INSTAGRAM POST AFTER STUNNING 5-1 VICTORY — FANS ARE LOSING IT OVER WHAT HE SAID
LASK’s astonishing Champions League comeback against Celtic has already produced one of the most talked-about European nights of the season, and the celebrations have continued online after the Austrian side completed a remarkable 5-1 victory in Linz.
The result sent LASK through to the Champions League league phase with a 5-4 aggregate triumph after Celtic had appeared to have the tie firmly under control. Now, a social-media post attributed to a LASK player has added another layer of intrigue to an already extraordinary night.
The exact wording and authorship of the Instagram message should be treated cautiously unless independently confirmed, but the apparent swipe at Celtic has quickly attracted attention among supporters following the dramatic turnaround.
LASK complete incredible comeback
Few inside the Oberösterreich Arena could have imagined the scenes that unfolded on Tuesday night.
Celtic travelled to Austria holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg and then appeared to make their position even stronger when captain Callum McGregor opened the scoring in the 21st minute.
That goal gave Martin O’Neill’s side a four-goal aggregate cushion.
Instead of breaking LASK’s resistance, however, it sparked one of the most extraordinary comebacks in the club’s history.
Moses Usor levelled on the night in the 32nd minute before Robert Ljubicic put LASK ahead shortly after half-time. Samuel Adeniran then made it 3-1 in the 58th minute, leaving Celtic facing serious pressure.
The decisive moment in normal time arrived deep into stoppage time when Florian Flecker scored to make it 4-1 and send the tie into extra time.
LASK then completed the turnaround when Adeniran struck again in the 109th minute.
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo later saved a penalty from Adeniran, but the damage had already been done. LASK had won 5-1 and overturned a four-goal aggregate deficit to progress 5-4.
From despair to Champions League history
The victory was particularly significant for LASK because it secured the club’s first appearance in the Champions League league phase.
The Austrian side had entered the second leg facing what appeared to be an almost impossible task after losing 3-0 at Celtic Park.
Instead, Dietmar Kühbauer’s team produced a performance built on intensity, attacking aggression and remarkable belief.
A sold-out crowd in Linz witnessed the comeback, with LASK eventually holding their nerve through extra time to complete a result that will be remembered for years.
For Celtic, the defeat represented the opposite end of the emotional spectrum.
The Scottish champions had been four goals ahead on aggregate after McGregor’s opener but collapsed spectacularly as LASK repeatedly exposed gaps and built momentum.
Captain McGregor admitted afterwards that Celtic had been too passive and apologised to supporters, acknowledging the severity of the defeat.
Instagram reaction adds fuel
Against that backdrop, any social-media message from a LASK player aimed at Celtic was always likely to attract enormous attention.
The apparent Instagram swipe has therefore become part of the post-match conversation, particularly because the Austrian side had completed such an unlikely comeback.
Supporters on social media have been quick to celebrate LASK’s achievement, while Celtic supporters have understandably been left frustrated after watching their side surrender what looked like an unassailable advantage.
The reaction demonstrates just how quickly football can turn. A week earlier, Celtic had been celebrating a commanding first-leg victory and looking towards the Champions League with confidence. Less than a week later, LASK were celebrating one of the greatest European nights in their history.
Celtic now face a European reset
The consequences extend beyond social-media banter.
Celtic have been eliminated from Champions League qualifying and will continue their European campaign in the Europa League, while LASK move forward into the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.
For LASK, the challenge now is to ensure the historic victory becomes the beginning of something rather than simply a memorable one-off.
For Celtic, attention will turn towards recovery. O’Neill and his players must quickly analyse how a four-goal aggregate advantage disappeared and find a response domestically and in the Europa League.
The Instagram controversy may fade quickly, but the result itself will not.
LASK have written themselves into their club’s history by overturning a 4-0 aggregate deficit to defeat Celtic 5-4. Whether the cheeky social-media message proves to be genuine or simply part of the online frenzy, one thing is certain: after a night of extraordinary drama in Linz, LASK have earned the right to celebrate.
