Samuel Adeniran’s extra-time strike sends LASK into Champions League league phase

Nigerian forward Samuel Adeniran scored twice as LASK completed a remarkable comeback to beat Celtic 5-1 and reach the league phase of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the Austrian club’s history.

LASK began the second leg three goals behind after the opening match, but produced a dramatic turnaround against the Scottish Premiership side on Tuesday evening. The Austrian Bundesliga champions forced extra time after goals from Moses Usor, Robert Ljubicic, Adeniran and Florian Flecker cancelled out Callum McGregor’s contribution for Celtic.

Adeniran then delivered the decisive moment in the 109th minute, striking from distance to beat Celtic goalkeeper Sinisalo and put LASK in front. His second goal completed an extraordinary night for the forward and secured LASK’s place in the competition’s league phase.

The 27-year-old has made an impressive start to the new season, scoring seven goals in six appearances across all competitions. His latest performance came as LASK overturned what appeared to be a substantial disadvantage from the first leg.

Adeniran said he was overwhelmed by the scale of the comeback and credited his team-mates for maintaining their belief throughout the match.

“It’s unbelievable. I really believed in it, I’m so proud of my teammates,” Adeniran told Sky, via Laola1.

The forward said the result carried particular emotional significance after LASK recovered from a three-goal deficit.

“To come back like that after being 3-0 down – a dream has come true. I cried after the game. Only Jesus could have helped me,” he added.

The victory continues a highly productive period for Adeniran, who has quickly established himself as a key attacking player for LASK during the opening weeks of the campaign. His goals helped transform a tie that had seemed to be firmly in Celtic’s control.

Adeniran is the son of former Abiola Babes captain Victor Ogunsanya, who now goes by the name Adebisi Adeniran.

The result means LASK will compete in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history, while Celtic’s hopes of progressing ended after the Austrian side’s extraordinary recovery in extra time.