Celtic FC took a commanding 2-0 first-leg lead over LASK Linz in their UEFA Champions League playoff at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Camilo Durán, signed from Qarabağ for a reported £5.5 million on July 10, doubled the advantage with a volley 12 minutes later. The return leg will be played in Austria on August 25, with the winner over two matches securing a place in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase. Celtic, led by Martin O’Neill, entered the tie after a perfect domestic start that included a 4-0 League Cup win over Dundee United, while Durán had scored five Champions League goals for Qarabağ during the 2025/26 season. Reaching the league phase would bring Celtic tens of millions of pounds in UEFA prize money and broadcasting revenue.