In the Europa League playoffs, VfB Stuttgart claimed a 4-1 victory at Celtic Park in the first‑leg match against Celtic Glasgow, securing a solid advantage for the return leg.
The visitors started the game strongest. In the 15th minute, Bilal El Khannouss gave Celtic a 1-0 lead. Stuttgart then dominated much of the next phase of the match, but a costly error early in the build‑up cost them. In the 21st minute, Benjamin Nygren exploited a defensive miscommunication to level the score at 1-1.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s side answered swiftly. El Khannouss scored again in the 28th minute, this time with a header, putting the visitors ahead 2-1-a margin that carried into half‑time.
After the teams switched ends, Celtic increased the pressure, yet Stuttgart remained efficient. In the 57th minute, Jamie Leweling extended the lead with a well‑placed long‑range shot, making it 3-1. A further goal by Ermedin Demirović in the 60th minute was overturned after a video‑referee review for a tight offside.
In the closing minutes Stuttgart finally sealed a decisive result. In the third minute of stoppage time (90+3), Tiago Tomas scored, finalising the 4-1 triumph.
