Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic: McCowan strike gives visitors win but exit on aggregate
In the UEFA Europa League knockout play-offs on 26. 02. 2026, vfb stuttgart vs celtic ended in a 1-0 victory for Celtic but the visitors went out 4-2 on aggregate, leaving the tie decided despite the quick breakthrough.
McCowan inside 30 seconds
Luke McCowan gave Celtic a 'dream start' by scoring inside the opening 30 seconds, neatly slotting into the bottom corner, a strike captured in the early flashpoints of the match. That instant goal stood as the only finish of the game and produced the final scoreline of FT: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic (4-2).
Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic
FT: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic (4-2) - Visitors claim first win in Germany but go out on aggregate. Undav had a controversial equaliser ruled out by VAR earlier in the tie, a moment noted alongside McCowan's rapid opener. The fixture was played as part of the UEFA Europa League Knockout Play-offs on 26. 02. 2026.
O'Neill on the night and the run ahead
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill described the tie's context and his players' response. He said: "The first leg got away from us and we gave away some soft goals, but tonight was a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance. " He added: "We 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 set out the immediate fixture challenge, noting: "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 reflected on European football's value: "We've created this situation for ourselves by progressing in European football. At the end of it all, that's what you want to do. 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. "
Players, praise and perspective
O'Neill singled out the goalkeeper, saying: "[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room. He's got plenty of talent. " He defended selection moves: "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. "
Viljami Sinisalo reflected on his own influences, saying: "I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up, " referring to his view of Kasper Schmeichel as a role model.
Wider weekend and reaction
Commentary on the fixture noted the immediate domestic implications: "We might have mentioned that Celtic visit Rangers on Sunday a few times. " Other Scottish Premiership fixtures this weekend include Hearts at home to Aberdeen and Motherwell hosting Dundee United, with the standings potentially shifting — "Hearts could be seven points clear before the Old Firm rivals meet. Motherwell could be one point behind third-placed Celtic. "
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner remarked: "A win in Germany. What a way to sign off if this is his last European game. " Broadcasters thanked listeners and viewers and invited them to follow weekend coverage. A live commentary blog for the match was unavailable, with the message: "Sorry, this blog is currently unavailable. Please try again later. "
Next on the calendar, Celtic travel to Ibrox to face Rangers on Sunday, a fixture O'Neill highlighted as the immediate focus after the UEFA Europa League exit.
