Sport Bilder des Tages Fussball, Herren, Saison 2023/2024, UEFA Champions League Gruppe G, 3. Spieltag, RB Leipzig - FK Roter Stern Belgrad, v. l. Xavi Simons RB Leipzig Torjubel, jubelt nach dem Tor zum 2:0, 25.10. 2023, *** Football, Men, 2023 2024 season, UEFA Champions League Group G, Matchday 3 , RB Leipzig FK Red Star Belgrade, v l Xavi Simons RB Leipzig goal celebration, cheers after scoring 2 0, 25 10 2023, Copyright: Imago Images
Celtic have been handed a demanding Europa League draw, facing some of Europe’s most storied clubs after a stunning Champions League play-off collapse.
The Scottish side dropped into the Europa League after squandering a four-goal aggregate lead against Austrian club LASK in their Champions League play-off tie.
Celtic had travelled to Austria with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg at Celtic Park, looking well placed to reach the Champions League group stage.
Callum McGregor extended that lead to 4-0 on aggregate with a deflected effort on 21 minutes, seemingly putting the tie beyond any doubt.
However, a catastrophic collapse followed as LASK clawed back four goals through Moses Usor, Robert Ljubicic, Samuel Adeniran, and Florian Flecker to force extra time.
Adeniran then struck his second goal of the night in the 109th minute to send LASK into the Champions League and condemn Celtic to a historic low.
The result marked the second successive season that Celtic have dropped into the Europa League, representing one of the most painful nights in the club’s European history.
The Europa League league phase draw was conducted at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco from 12pm UK time on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Celtic will host 2023 Europa League runners-up Roma, along with Braga, Sturm Graz, and Utrecht at Celtic Park during the league phase.
Away from home, Celtic must travel to Midtjylland and Bologna, as well as taking on two former European Cup winners in Feyenoord and Red Star Belgrade.
The draw presents Celtic with significant challenges on the road, particularly against clubs with deep continental pedigree and strong home records in European competition.
Feyenoord and Red Star Belgrade both carry the prestige of having lifted the old European Cup, making those fixtures particularly compelling occasions.
The Europa League league phase kicks off on September 24th and 25th, with the competition concluding its group stage matches on January 29th.
Celtic will be eager to make a stronger impression in Europe this season after the embarrassment of their Champions League exit at the hands of LASK.
About the Author
