Celtic left Stuttgart with pride restored despite being eliminated from the Europa League, winning 1-0 thanks to Luke McCowan’s strike inside the first minute but losing 4-2 on aggregate. Manager Martin O’Neill rotated his side, resting eight regulars ahead of the upcoming Old Firm fixture, yet his makeshift XI began the tie positively. Junior Adamu’s clever pass set up McCowan, who slotted home after 28 seconds for his first European goal and Celtic’s first-ever victory on German soil.
Celtic had an early opportunity when Daizen Maeda miskicked from an Adamu cross, but Stuttgart gradually grew into the game. Stand-in goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo — making his European debut — produced a number of important saves to protect the slender lead. When Deniz Undav thought he had equalised on the night, VAR intervened and disallowed the effort after Ermedin Demirovic was ruled offside in the build-up.
The result offered a morale boost after a heavy first-leg defeat and a recent domestic reverse to Hibs, with travelling supporters pleased to see the team finish its European campaign on a high. Only Celtic and Bayern Munich have managed to beat Stuttgart on their own ground this season.
O’Neill said the overall display and Sinisalo’s performance were “food for thought” ahead of the Ibrox meeting. The 24-year-old Finn made six saves, looking composed and potentially challenging Kasper Schmeichel for the number-one spot given the Dane’s recent inconsistencies. O’Neill praised the squad’s attitude and determination, admitting McCowan’s rapid goal briefly made him consider a comeback was possible. He also noted Seb Tounekti’s late chance might have added extra tension to the closing stages for the hosts.
Although the aggregate loss ends Celtic’s European run, the rare away victory in Germany and Sinisalo’s assured display create fresh selection questions for O’Neill as he prepares for the Old Firm clash.