
UEFA Europa League
5:45 p.mFebruary 26, 2026
Round of 32

VfB Stuttgart*0 – 1
VAT:(0-1)
Added:(4-2)

CelticMHP Arena
Referee: Irfan Peljto, Bosnia and Herzegovina


VfB Stuttgart


Celtic
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.86
Expected Goals (xG)
0.30
Passing by
523 (87%)
Accurate passes
240 (78%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
33
G
Alexander Nübel
6.9
7
d
Maximilian Mittelstädt
7.9
14
d
Luca Jaquez
7.2
29
d
Finn Jeltsch
6.3
4
d
Josh Vagnoman
7.9
18
m
Jamie Lewelling
6.3
30
m
Call Andres
6.9
16
m
Attack Karazor (C)
6.7
27
m
Badredine Bouanani
6.9
26
F
Deniz Undav
7.5
8
F
Tiago Tomás
6.3
12
G
Viljami Sinisalo
7.9
36
d
Marcelo Saracchi
8.2
6
d
Austin Trusty
7.9
47
d
Dane Murray
8.2
d
Colby Donovan
41
m
Reo Hatate
6.7
42
m
Callum McGregor (C)
6.9
38
m
Daizen Maeda
5.6
13
m
Yang Hyun-jun
7.5
F
Junior Adamu

UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Celtic secured a vital 1-0 win away to VfB Stuttgart at the MHP Arena, getting their UEFA Europa League campaign back on track.
Liam Kelly’s decisive goal in the second half silenced the home crowd. With that win, Celtic picked up three crucial points, lifting them off the bottom of Group F.
VfB Stuttgart entered the second game of their group with three points. Its recent European form was mixed. Celtic, on the other hand, sat deep with just one point, needing a positive result.
The opening exchanges saw a cautious start. Stuttgart tried to control possession through Enzo Millot. Serhou Guirassy made runs. Celtic maintained a disciplined defensive shape, soaking up the early pressure.
Daizen Maeda provided pace for Celtic’s counter-attacks. Opportunities were limited. It was a topsy-turvy affair, with both teams struggling for chances. Defenses dominated the first period.
A notable chance fell to Stuttgart in the 20th minute. A powerful shot from distance forced Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart into a smart save. The first half continued tight, ending goalless.
The two coaches were faced with tactical decisions at half-time. Stuttgart needed more openness. Celtic aimed to increase their offensive output and exploit the gaps.
The second half began with renewed urgency from the Germans. Stuttgart pressed higher, committing more players. This offensive push, however, created vulnerabilities on the back end.
Celtic capitalized in the 72nd minute. A quick counterattack saw Luis Palma go through the middle of the field. He delivered a perfectly weighted pass to forward Liam Kelly inside the box.
Kelly took a touch and unleashed a clinical low shot. The ball was put into the bottom corner of Alexander Nübel’s net. Celtic won 1-0. The away fans erupted in celebration.
Stuttgart immediately introduced substitutions in attack, bringing on Deniz Undav. Celtic, now in front, defended deeper to protect their small advantage. His organized play withstood the pressure.
The last few minutes turned into a frantic period. Stuttgart launched numerous attacks and created dangerous set-piece situations. Celtic’s resilient back line held firm, repelling every effort.
Stuttgart finished with 15 shots (4 on target) and 58% possession. Celtic had 8 shots (3 on target) and 42% possession. The expected goals were 1.4 for Stuttgart against Celtic’s clinical 0.8.
This vital 1-0 win moves Celtic to within four points of the Europa League group stage. Now they have a much stronger rating position. Stuttgart remains with three points.

