Celtic fans are anticipating another Europa League campaign after being drawn against Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League play-off round. The Hoops will enter the competition proper in the final play-off round after winning the Premiership last season. They last featured in the competition proper in 2024-25, after losing out to Kazakh side Kairat Almaty over two legs in the play-offs this time last year. Celtic went on to reach the Europa League knockout phase play-offs as they progressed through the league phase in 21st place. They have the chance to reach the Champions League league phase for this season against Austrian champions LASK Linz, with the draw taking place on Monday morning. Many supporters are expecting the worst considering their slow summer business and the opponents' strong recent record. ## What happened? The Hoops' defeat to Kairat went down as one of the biggest shocks in their history and was a real source of embarrassment for those connected to the club. They still struggled to string some form together in the Europa League, despite dropping into the competition, and supporters are now apprehensive about their upcoming UCL play-off clashes. LASK won the Austrian Bundesliga for only the second time in their history last season, and are unbeaten in their last 11 competitive games. Celtic fans have taken to X to express their concern that another disappointment awaits this month, with one fan saying: "That's us playing Europa League then." While another supporter said: "Most obvious Celtic loss, no way we beat LASK. We are fairies in Europe." And one fan added: "Unless we make four or five signings before this game, we are out. The current squad is not good enough." ## Why it matters for Celtic The Hoops are clearly looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, with many fans calling for new signings to be made before the Champions League play-off against LASK. The club has been linked with several players, including Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, who could become the club's record signing if a deal is agreed. ## What comes next? Celtic will face LASK at Parkhead on 18 August, and will be looking to make a strong start to their Champions League campaign. The Hoops have the chance to reach the Champions League league phase for this season, and will be hoping to make a deep run in the competition. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Premiership, 67 pts, 21W-4D-8L from 33 games, recent form WWWWW. Goals this season: 59 scored, 35 conceded (+24 goal difference). Title race: 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Last result: Celtic 3-1 Heart Of Midlothian (2026-05-16). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run.