Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic — Celtic win in Germany but exit Europa League
In the vfb stuttgart vs celtic tie, Celtic took a 1-0 victory in Germany but were knocked out 4-2 on aggregate, a bittersweet finish that left interim manager Martin O'Neill and his players reflecting ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm clash.
Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic: McCowan strikes inside 30 seconds
Luke McCowan gave Celtic a dream start, scoring inside the opening 30 seconds with a finish that "neatly slots into the bottom corner. " That early goal settled the match scoreline at full-time: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic, though the aggregate ended 4-2 in favour of the home side overall.
VAR denies Undav's leveller
Stuttgart’s Undav found the net in a moment described as a controversial equaliser, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR check, removing what would have been a response to McCowan’s early strike and preserving Celtic’s single-goal win on the night.
O'Neill and players react after a "backs-to-the-wall" display
Martin O'Neill called the performance "a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance, " adding that "the first leg got away from us and we gave away some soft goals. " He said Celtic "still had chances in the game, and almost gave them a nervy few minutes for what I consider a very good team, a team capable of winning this competition. "
O'Neill also outlined the immediate domestic challenge ahead: "There'll be twists and turns, we have to go to Ibrox which we know is going to be a very difficult game for us, then we have up to go to Aberdeen, then we have to go to Ibrox again. " He said the club had "created this situation for ourselves by progressing in European football" and defended the value of continental competition: "European football is what big clubs in Scotland should be aiming, not for the coefficient points to be dropping out of sight. It's ridiculous. This is what it's all about. "
Speaking more personally, O'Neill added: "Of course, I'll miss it until they are putting a brown lid on top of me. I'm in dreamland just to get the opportunity again. " He praised goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo — "[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room. He's got plenty of talent" — and defended selection choices: "Tonight, we made some changes. Some enforced, players stepped up to the plate but we didn't throw in two 16-year-olds... these boys have played in the team and have shown they're capable of winning games. It wouldn't be a headache... A selection choice. To go back tonight, it was terrific. "
Voices from the dressing room and radio reaction
Viljami Sinisalo spoke about his admiration for Kasper Schmeichel: "I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up. " Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner, speaking on Sportsound, reflected: "A win in Germany. What a way to sign off if this is his last European game. " James McFadden and Pat Bonner provided post-match reaction on a podcast, assessing how Celtic's Europa League campaign ended ahead of the club's upcoming Old Firm fixture.
Fixture headlines and the domestic picture
Coverage noted other key Premiership fixtures this weekend: Premiership leaders Hearts host Aberdeen, and Motherwell host Dundee United. The standings implications were spelled out — Hearts could be seven points clear before the Old Firm rivals meet, while Motherwell could be one point behind third-placed Celtic.
Closing notes and what comes next
The night closed with the simple sign-off: "Thanks for your company tonight and make sure you join us over the weekend. " Celtic now head into the next confirmed event on their calendar — a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers on Sunday.
