Celtic will host LASK Linz at Celtic Park on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League playoff knockout round. The home team has had a perfect start to the 2026-27 season, securing three victories out of three matches, while LASK has also begun their campaign without a loss, achieving four wins from four games. Celtic concluded the 2025-26 season on a high note, clinching the Scottish Premiership title with a 3-1 victory over Hearts on the final day, followed by a 3-1 win against Dunfermline in the Scottish FA Cup final. Despite a shaky pre-season where they lost one and drew three of their four friendlies, Celtic has bounced back strongly at the start of the new season. The Bhoys kicked off their Scottish Premiership campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee, followed by a commanding 5-1 win against Kilmarnock, and a 4-0 success against Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup second round. As they enter the Champions League qualifiers, Celtic aims to keep their perfect record intact and take a step closer to the group stage of Europe's elite tournament, having missed out last season after a playoff defeat to Kairat Almaty. However, Celtic will face a tough challenge against LASK, who are also in exceptional form heading into this matchup. LASK won their league title last season, claiming their first Austrian Bundesliga championship since 1964-65, finishing just two points clear at the top and securing their spot in the Champions League qualifiers. After a mixed pre-season with three wins and three losses, Dietmar Kuhbauer's squad has also started the 2026-27 season strongly, winning all four of their matches across various competitions.