VfB book ticket for round of 16

Match summary

Early blow

Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Celtic took the lead on the night after just 29 seconds. With the first move, Celtic got into the penalty area through Junior Adamu and Luke McCowan, who left Alexander Nübel no chance with a shot from 12 metres into the left corner.

Chance for Bouanani

VfB responded well to going behind and took control as the game went on, albeit without forcing the issue in attack. In the 16^th minute, Badredine Bouanani tried his luck from distance but the shot was saved by Viljami Sinisalo. That aside, Stuttgart lacked the incisive pass, the forcefulness and the necessary luck in the first half.

1-0 at the break

Celtic remained a threat on the odd counter-attack but were unable to fashion any more clear chances, meaning they took a narrow lead into the break at the MHP Arena.

Führich impact

Half-time substitute Chris Führich immediately set up Bouanani in the penalty area following the restart, but the winger’s attempt from close range was blocked. Stuttgart kept up the pressure but Tiago Tomas also failed to hit the target with a good chance (55’). With 66 minutes gone, Sinisalo made a good save to prevent Bouanani from equalising.

VfB kept plugging away until full time but the ball still wouldn’t go in for them. After Deniz Undav had a goal ruled out for offside and Führich was denied by another good save from the Celtic goalkeeper, it ended in an unlucky 1-0 defeat on the night.

Trip to Portugal in round of 16

Sebastian Hoeneß’s side will now face either FC Porto or SC Braga in the Europa League round of 16. The draw takes place on Friday 27 February from 13:00 CET at UEFA headquarters.

Goals

1st minute: After winning the ball, Adamu sets up McCowan, who finds the bottom left corner from 12 metres.