UEL: Stuttgart Edge Celtic, Reach Europa League Last 16

Celtic knocked out of Europa League despite 1-0 win over Stuttgart

Celtic knocked out of Europa League despite 1-0 win over Stuttgart. Stuttgart progress to Europa League last 16 with 4-2 aggregate win over Celtic.

Stuttgart, with a comfortable two-goal lead from the first leg, looked to control the game in the final 10 minutes...

Stuttgart booked their spot in the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 4-2 aggregate win over Celtic, despite losing 1-0 in the second leg. The German side, who had a 3-0 lead from the first leg, were made to sweat but ultimately progressed comfortably.

Celtic's hopes of progressing were ended by a lack of firepower, with the Scottish side failing to match Stuttgart's quality. The result marked a disappointing end to Celtic's European campaign, but the team did manage to restore some pride with a 1-0 win in the second leg, Stuttgart's first-ever home defeat against Scottish opposition.

Celtic got off to a flying start, catching Stuttgart off guard. Within 30 seconds, Junior Adamu's clever pass set up Luke McCowan for a tap-in, and the Scottish side were dreaming of an upset.

Stuttgart quickly realized they needed to respond, and they ramped up the pressure as the first half wore on. Badredine Bouanani had a couple of good chances, including a long-range strike that Viljami Sinisalo parried away, and a misjudged shot at the back post. The German side were determined to get back into the game.

Stuttgart continued to push hard in the final third, looking to get back into the tie. However, Celtic's defense held firm, with Tiago Tomas' effort blocked in the six-yard box. The hosts were creating chances, having scored 3+ goals in six of their last eight matches, but Celtic's rearguard was resolute.

The German side carried their momentum into the second half, with Chris Führich setting up Badredine Bouanani for a close-range strike that Marcelo Saracchi blocked. Stuttgart were still pushing for an equalizer, but Celtic's defense was holding strong.

As the game moved into the final half-hour, Celtic knew they needed to score to put pressure back on Stuttgart. However, it was Hoeneß's side who continued to create the clearer chances, with Viljami Sinisalo making a smart save to deny Badredine Bouanani.

Stuttgart claim a 4-2 aggregate win to progress ⏩#UEL pic.twitter.com/giFs01XXmy

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2026

Stuttgart's pressure almost paid off in the 75th minute, with Deniz Undav's shot from the edge of the box heading into the net. But the goal was ruled out by VAR, with Ermedin Demirovic deemed marginally offside in the build-up. The hosts were frustrated, feeling they were due a goal.

Stuttgart, with a comfortable two-goal lead from the first leg, looked to control the game in the final 10 minutes. They created plenty of chances, but Celtic's goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was in top form, making crucial saves to deny Ramon Hendriks and Chris Führich.

Stuttgart progress to the round of 16 🤍❤️#UEL pic.twitter.com/GYUKQtNST0

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2026

In the end, Stuttgart's first-leg lead proved too much for Celtic to overcome. Despite securing a first-ever away win in Germany, Celtic went out of the Europa League. Stuttgart progressed to the last 16, where they'll face their next opponent in the competition.