VfB Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic – Spirited performance on historic night in Germany

That was a spirited performance on historic night for Celtic that gives us much needed boost for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby showdown at Ibrox…

The teams line-up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

We went into yesterday evening’s clash with Stuttgart with very low expectations, even more so when the starting XI was revealed, but in the end the players done themselves and the large impressive travelling support great justice.

The likes of Viljami Sinisalo, Colby Donovan, Dane Murray, Luke McCowan, and Junior Adamu all made rare starts, and much like the rest of the players selected by Martin O’Neill, they put in an impressive and stellar shift against a much superior side.

Players of VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC anticipate a corner kick during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Viljami Sinisalo and Dane Murray in particular looked impressive and both had to be one their toes the entire night against a strong Stuttgart side.

Both players looked solid and confident throughout against the side sitting in fourth place in the Bundesliga, and may well have played their way into Martin’s thoughts for the important Glasgow Derby match Ibrox on Sunday lunchtime.

The entirety of the squad who played their part at the MHP Arena should be proud of themselves, as they showed great character and determination to record the club’s first every victory in a competitive match against a German side on German soil.

Luke McCowan of Celtic reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Luke McCowan was another who took advantage of his rare start, and scored a terrific opener after just 30 seconds, a goal which proved to the winner on the night. After a run of lacklustre performances and disappointing results, it was a perfect pick me up for all involved, especially with a tough run of games on the horizon, starting at Ibrox on Sunday.

The mood before the game was somber to say the least, and the biggest percent of supporters didn’t give us a chance of getting anything out of the game, with the same feeling regarding Sunday’s trip over to Govan.

This win against more than decent opposition has changed all that, and we can now look forward to Sunday’s Sunday with much more optimism.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order