The draw for the UEFA Europa League knockout play-offs has pitted VfB Stuttgart against Celtic FC. The first leg takes place on Thursday 19 February in Glasgow, with the return match a week later on Thursday 26 February in Bad Cannstatt. But what distinguishes the Scottish club?
The league phase
Celtic finished the league phase of the Europa League in 21st position with 11 points after wins at Feyenoord (3-1) and at home to Sturm Graz (2-1) and Utrecht (4-2), as well as draws at Red Star Belgrade (1-1) and against Bologna (2-2) at home. The Hoops lost at FC Midtjylland (3-1) and in their home games against Braga (2-0) and Roma (3-0). Interestingly, VfB also came up against Feyenoord and Roma, beating the former 2-0 and losing 2-0 in Rome.
Domestic domination
On the domestic front, Celtic are currently third in the Scottish Premiership with 54 points from 26 games, three behind surprise leaders Hearts (27 games). Although perhaps more painful is the fact that arch-rivals Rangers (27 games) are also ahead of them in second place with a point more. The two Glasgow clubs have traditionally shared the national championship, with each on a record 55 titles to date. In the past 14 years, however, Rangers were only able to interrupt Celtic’s winning run in the 2020/21 campaign. In addition to those league titles, the Bhoys have won the Scottish Cup 42 times and the Scottish League Cup 22 times. By far the greatest triumph in the club’s history was winning the 1966/67 European Cup, the predecessor to the UEFA Champions League.
The coach
Celtic have been coached since the start of the year – and for the third time in their history – by Martin O’Neill. As a player, the Northern Irishman made 69 international appearances for his country and also played 223 games for Nottingham Forest, among other clubs. This is the 73-year-old’s first Europa League campaign as a coach.
The goalscorers
Benjamin Nygren is the danger man in attack for the Hoops. The Swedish right winger has found the net 13 times in 26 Premiership appearances this season, as well as contributing three goals in eight Europa League matches. The 24-year-old joined Celtic last summer from Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland.