Europa League: Stuttgart Hold 4-1 Aggregate Lead as Celtic Make Multiple Changes Ahead of Neckarstadion Return
Celtic travel to Stuttgart trailing 4-1 on aggregate in the Europa League, facing an uphill task to overturn the deficit in the return leg. Team selection has been shuffled, with coverage noting multiple changes and a new goalkeeper given a start as Celtic seek to restore pride after recent domestic setbacks.
Europa League context: deficit, form and environment
The tie is heavily weighted in Stuttgart's favour after the first leg left Celtic 4-1 behind. Coverage ahead of the return points to slim prospects of a complete comeback but highlights reasons for Celtic to target pride and momentum, including the chance to claim a first competitive victory on German soil for the club. The second-leg kick-off has been set for 5. 45pm (ET) in Stuttgart.
Domestic form has added to pressure on Celtic. The side suffered a home defeat at Celtic Park in a 2-1 loss to Hibernian, a result that was notable as Hibernian recorded their first victory at Celtic Park in 16 years. That match featured a red card for Auston Trusty and questions over Celtic's attacking bluntness despite dominant possession. Atmospherics in Stuttgart were described as pleasant on the day, with warm conditions and a lively local scene prior to kick-off.
Team news and confirmed lineups for the Europa League return
Team announcements show significant rotation. One match preview references seven changes to Celtic's starting XI, while a separate match note references eight changes; coverage varies on the exact count. Viljami Sinisalo is named as the starting goalkeeper in the return, taking the place between the posts for the trip to the Neckarstadion.
- Stuttgart (formation listed): Nübel; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Jaquez, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Andrés; Tomás, Bouanani, Leweling; Undav.
- Celtic (formation listed): Sinisalo; Donovan, Trusty, Murray, Saracchi; McCowan, McGregor, Hatate; Hyun-Jun, Adamu, Maeda.
The Celtic bench includes experienced names and multiple players who have started domestically; Kasper Schmeichel is among those available as a substitute. Observers noted that there are several players on the bench who are regular starters in league matches.
Former players weighing in have highlighted the pressure on the new starter: a former goalkeeper emphasised that Sinisalo needs game time to show temperament and the ability to handle pressure, adding that Celtic will probably need him in this tie. A former forward commented on Callum McGregor's workload, noting he recently played in a cup tie and has not been rested, suggesting a possible conversation about availability but indicating McGregor appears set to play.
What to watch and implications
Key strands to follow in the return leg are whether the rotated Celtic side can produce a markedly improved attacking threat and whether the goalkeeper entrusted with the start can perform under pressure. Stuttgart's recent matches have shown both defensive fragility and scoring potency; one note mentions they conceded three goals in a visit to Heidenheim while also scoring three, and other coverage lists a run of goals that contributed to a difficult night for Celtic in a prior meeting.
With the aggregate margin substantial, stakes for Celtic are more about restoring confidence and securing momentum for domestic fixtures than mounting a long-shot comeback. The outcome in Stuttgart will shape immediate expectations for the remainder of Celtic's season and determine how the squad and staff respond to rotation and selection choices made for this Europa League tie.
Recent updates indicate lineups and counts of changes vary between previews, so details may evolve ahead of kick-off.
