Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic — vfb stuttgart vs celtic: match report and updates
FT: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic (4-2) - Visitors claim first win in Germany but go out on aggregate. In a game that began with a lightning strike, vfb stuttgart vs celtic saw Luke McCowan score inside the opening 30 seconds, only for an overturned moment later to leave Celtic eliminated on aggregate.
Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic: Early goal
Luke McCowan neatly slots into the bottom corner, giving Celtic what one match summary called a "perfect start in Stuttgart" by scoring inside the opening 30 seconds. That early strike proved decisive on the night as Celtic took the 1-0 win in Germany.
Match sequence and VAR
After McCowan's rapid opener, an intervention altered the flow: Undav scored a controversial equaliser that was then ruled out by VAR. The sequence—McCowan goal, Undav's struck equaliser, VAR ruling out the effort—left the final score 0-1 on the night while the aggregate stood at 4-2 against Celtic, meaning the visitors were eliminated despite claiming their first win in Germany.
Manager comments and quotes
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill reflected on the tie and the immediate fixtures 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. 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 will 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. "
On the match itself he added: "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. [Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That's the name all round the dressing room. He's got plenty of talent. 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. "
Goalkeeper reaction and tribute
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo spoke about his path and inspirations, saying: "I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up, " referencing Kasper Schmeichel by name in relation to the current number one. O'Neill also singled out Sinisalo for praise, saying he "played brilliantly in the game, really well. "
Wider Scottish implications
The match report noted other domestic fixtures and implications: "We might have mentioned that Celtic visit Rangers on Sunday a few times. " It added that Premiership leaders Hearts are at home to Aberdeen and Motherwell are hosting Dundee United. The summary said Hearts could be seven points clear before the Old Firm rivals meet, and Motherwell could be one point behind third-placed Celtic.
Closing notes and sign-up message
Pat Bonner, a former Celtic goalkeeper, reflected on the result and the occasion: "A win in Germany. What a way to sign off if this is his last European game. " One sign-off line from the coverage read: "Thanks for your company tonight and make sure you join us over the weekend. "
Additional published material around the squad listed a preview headlined "Celtic team to take on VfB Stuttgart" and included the promotional line: "Our exclusive 'SIGN FOR CELTIC' competitions with the chance to win some fantastic prizes. "
Closing summary: vfb stuttgart vs celtic finished 0-1 on the night with Luke McCowan's 30-second strike giving Celtic their first win in Germany, but the visitors were eliminated on a 4-2 aggregate score after an Undav equaliser was ruled out by VAR.
