Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic – vfb stuttgart vs celtic: match report

vfb stuttgart vs celtic finished FT: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic (4-2) as visitors claimed their first win in Germany but went out on aggregate. Luke McCowan struck inside 30 seconds to give Celtic a dream start, while an Undav goal was controversially ruled out by VAR.

Match summary

The match opened with a near-instant blow: Luke McCowan scored inside the opening 30 seconds, neatly slotting into the bottom corner and giving Celtic what one report called a "perfect start" and another described as a "dream start". That goal remained the only valid strike of the game, leaving the full-time score Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic, but the aggregate stood at 4-2 against Celtic, meaning the visitors left Germany with their first win on German soil but exited the tie.

Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic: Key moments

After McCowan's early strike the game continued with a key intervention from VAR. Undav scored what would have been an equaliser for Stuttgart, but that goal was described in the coverage as controversial and was subsequently ruled out by VAR. The sequence of McCowan's immediate opener, Undav's disallowed effort, and the VAR decision decided the headline narrative: a late victory on the night but not enough to overturn the aggregate deficit.

Manager and keeper reactions

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill reflected on the tie and the night, saying: "The first leg got away from us and we gave away some soft goals, but tonight was a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance. 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. " He added praise for the goalkeeper: "[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room. He's got plenty of talent. "

O'Neill also put the European exit in context of the domestic run, saying: "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. 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. "

Asked if he would miss European football if this is to be his last such experience, O'Neill replied: "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 also noted squad decisions: "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. "

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo spoke about an idol from his youth, saying: "I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up, " referring to Kasper Schmeichel.

Wider Scottish weekend

The coverage noted domestic fixtures and context for Celtic's immediate future. It was mentioned that Celtic visit Rangers on Sunday a few times. Other big Scottish Premiership games highlighted included Premiership leaders Hearts at home to Aberdeen and Motherwell hosting Dundee United. The domestic permutations 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.

Team news and club note

A separate team bulletin carried the simple heading Celtic team to take on VfB Stuttgart. There was also a promotional line present in the material: "Our exclusive 'SIGN FOR CELTIC' competitions with the chance to win some fantastic prizes. "

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner, speaking on Sportsound, summed up the night with the line: "A win in Germany. What a way to sign off if this is his last European game. " The broadcast sign-off included a brief thank-you: "Thanks for your company tonight and make sure you join us over the weekend. "

FT: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic (4-2) encapsulates the full sequence: McCowan's inside-30-second strike; Undav's controversial equaliser that was ruled out by VAR; Celtic claiming their first win in Germany on the night but being eliminated on aggregate.