celtic vs vfb stuttgart — Stuttgart fans in top form as Hinkel urges Celtic to press
Fans and tactics are shaping up to be the defining storylines ahead of the Europa League knockout playoff tie at Celtic Park. VfB Stuttgart supporters arrived in Glasgow in buoyant mood while former defender Andreas Hinkel — who has ties to both clubs — set out a clear blueprint: disrupt Stuttgart's build-up with intense pressing and let the crowd do the rest.
Supporters set the tone — Stuttgart arrives loud and proud
Build-up footage showed large groups of VfB supporters travelling to Glasgow and getting into full voice on their way to the stadium, creating a charged atmosphere well before kickoff. The arrival of visiting fans in numbers has added an extra edge to what was already being billed as one of the most eye-catching two-legged ties. Coverage of the pre-match scene noted supporters in fine fettle and suggested their presence could lift the visitors inside Celtic Park, even as the home crowd prepares to respond in kind.
That away support is only part of Stuttgart's appeal. The club's identity — symbolised by the distinctive red Brustring around the home shirt — and the packed MHP Arena (capacity near 60, 000) underline why Stuttgart are considered an underrated force beyond Germany. In recent seasons they have oscillated between dramatic survival and genuine success: cup triumphs, a runner-up Bundesliga finish in 2024 and a domestic cup win in 2025 have all featured alongside nerve-wracking relegation battles in earlier years. That roller-coaster history has produced a resilient squad and a fanbase accustomed to high-stakes football.
Hinkel’s tactical plan: press, disrupt and lean on Celtic Park
Hinkel, who spent time at both clubs, forecast two tight games and identified a clear vulnerability in Stuttgart’s approach: a desire to control possession. He argued that if Celtic can press effectively — "destroy the build-up" — they can unsettle Stuttgart and give the home crowd a decisive role in the contest. The mechanics are simple: prevent Stuttgart from establishing rhythm in midfield, force long balls and transitions, and capitalise on moments of disorganisation.
Stuttgart’s style under Sebastian Hoeneß is built on domination and controlled possession, which makes them hard to press when in full flow. That said, personnel changes over recent seasons have been significant; the club has regularly navigated departures of key players and still produced strong domestic results. Current threats include a sharp forward in Deniz Undav and creative contributors such as Jamie Leweling and Chris Fuhrich, all of whom will be aiming to impress ahead of major international selection opportunities. Hinkel also noted the marginal advantage Stuttgart hold by playing the second leg at home, making a positive result in Glasgow even more important for Celtic.
For Celtic, the immediate task is clear: harness the crowd, commit to a high-energy pressing game and try to snatch control in phases rather than cede the middle to Stuttgart. If the home support can amplify moments of pressure, a tight first-leg result becomes a realistic target.
With supporters on both sides already making their presence felt and tactical stakes high, the tie promises drama. Expect a fiery atmosphere at kickoff — coverage of the pre-match build-up placed kickoff activity around 9: 00 PM ET — and two closely fought matches where small tactical details could decide who progresses to the round of 16.
