Celtic Secure Narrow Win in Germany but Stuttgart Advance on Aggregate in Europa League

Key Takeaways:

• Stuttgart progressed to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate triumph, despite losing 1-0 at home to Celtic
• Luke McCowan scored the only goal of the second leg, giving Celtic their first-ever away victory in Germany at the 17th attempt
• Stuttgart suffered their first home defeat against Scottish opposition, but held firm to seal their place in today’s draw

Match Overview

Stuttgart booked their place in the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Celtic, surviving a tense night on home turf despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in the second leg. The German hosts entered the return fixture with a commanding three-goal advantage, having won convincingly in Glasgow, and were widely expected to complete the job at home.

Early Drama in Germany

The hosts’ plans were immediately disrupted, as Celtic stunned the Mercedes-Benz Arena crowd within 30 seconds. Junior Adamu slipped a smart pass to Luke McCowan, who finished clinically into the bottom corner to give the visitors a dream start. This early strike ignited hopes of a dramatic comeback for the Scottish side.

🔚 Das war’s – wir stehen im Achtelfinale der UEFA Europa League!
Nach einem 4:1 im Hinspiel müssen wir uns daheim mit 0:1 gegen den Celtic FC geschlagen geben.
Wir waren auch heute die bessere Mannschaft, haben unsere Chancen aber nicht genutzt.
Nächste Runde, wir kommen!#VfB… pic.twitter.com/mVXdHo8Pus

— VfB Stuttgart 1893 (@VfB) February 26, 2026

Stuttgart Respond but Celtic Defence Holds

Stuttgart increased the intensity as the first half unfolded. Badredine Bouanani forced Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo into a save with a powerful long-range effort, before missing a promising opportunity at the back post. With an impressive recent record in attack – having netted 3 or more goals in six of their last eight matches (W6, D1, L1) – Stuttgart continued to exert pressure, but the Celtic defence proved resolute. Tiago Tomas saw his close-range effort blocked with the goal gaping, exemplifying the visitors’ defensive determination.

Second Half Battles and VAR Intervention

After the break, Stuttgart maintained their attacking momentum. Substitute Chris Führich provided an early spark, setting up Bouanani for another chance, which was bravely blocked by Marcelo Saracchi. Celtic remained aware that another goal could transform the tie, but it was Stuttgart who looked more likely to score, with Sinisalo producing a smart save to deny Bouanani at his near post.

The home fans thought they had found relief in the 75th minute, as Deniz Undav’s fierce shot found the net. However, celebrations were cut short when VAR disallowed the goal for a slight offside by Ermedin Demirovic in the build-up.

Late Pressure and Stuttgart’s Progression

Stuttgart approached the closing stages with their aggregate lead still intact and focused on preserving the result. Sinisalo continued to impress, thwarting late efforts from Ramon Hendriks and Führich in rapid succession. Despite Celtic finishing strongly and securing a first-ever away win in Germany at the 17th attempt, the damage sustained in the first leg proved decisive. Stuttgart ultimately managed the final minutes effectively, ensuring their passage into Friday’s UEFA Europa League draw.

Match Statistics