Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic: McCowan strike wins the night but Celtic bow out on aggregate

In the vfb stuttgart vs celtic clash, Celtic won the match 1-0 but were eliminated 4-2 on aggregate after a late Stuttgart equaliser was overturned by VAR; Luke McCowan’s goal arrived inside the opening 30 seconds and proved decisive on the night. FT: Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic (4-2) - Visitors claim first win in Germany but go out on aggregate.

Vfb Stuttgart Vs Celtic: McCowan’s lightning start

Luke McCowan gave Celtic what one report called a "dream start", neatly slotting the ball into the bottom corner inside the opening 30 seconds of the UEFA Europa League tie. His early finish stood as the only goal of the match, leaving the scoreboard reading Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic at full time.

Undav equaliser ruled out by VAR

Stuttgart had a controversial moment when Undav looked to have levelled the tie, but the equaliser was ruled out after a VAR review. That overturned goal meant Celtic’s slender victory on the night was not enough to overturn the aggregate margin.

Martin O'Neill praises backs-to-the-wall display

Interim manager Martin O'Neill said the first leg "got away from us" and conceded Celtic had "gave away some soft goals", but he described the second-leg performance as a "brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance". He added that the team still had chances and nearly made the tie nervy for what he called a very good side capable of winning the competition. O'Neill singled out goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, saying he "played brilliantly in the game" and that the name was "all round the dressing room" with "plenty of talent. " He also noted some selection changes were forced, that players stepped up and that the choices were not the equivalent of putting in "two 16-year-olds".

Sinisalo on Kasper Schmeichel and Pat Bonner’s reaction

Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo reflected on the experience of facing top keepers, saying: "I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up, " in reference to Kasper Schmeichel. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner remarked on the night: "A win in Germany. What a way to sign off if this is his last European game. "

Domestic schedule and closing notes

Broadcasters reminded viewers that Celtic visit Rangers on Sunday, and other domestic fixtures include Premiership leaders Hearts at home to Aberdeen and Motherwell hosting Dundee United. Hearts could be seven points clear before the Old Firm rivals meet, while Motherwell could be one point behind third-placed Celtic. "We might have mentioned that Celtic visit Rangers on Sunday a few times, " the coverage quipped, adding: "Thanks for your company tonight and make sure you join us over the weekend. "

With the tie concluded, Celtic’s immediate focus is the upcoming trip to Rangers on Sunday and the run of domestic fixtures that follow; the club and supporters now turn attention to that schedule and to squad selection for the next match.