In a dramatic encounter at Celtic Park, VfB Stuttgart secured a dominant 4:1 victory over Scottish champions Celtic Glasgow, significantly enhancing their chances of progressing to the Europa League round of 16 for the first time in 13 years. The match showcased impressive performances, particularly from Bilal El Khannouss, who scored two goals, as well as contributions from Jamie Leweling and Tiago Tomás, who rounded out the scoring for the visitors. The win puts Stuttgart in a strong position ahead of the crucial second leg of the playoff next Thursday.

Stuttgart took control early in the match, with El Khannouss netting two goals by the 28th minute, showcasing the team’s composure despite playing in one of Europe’s most challenging venues. The team appeared undeterred by the raucous Celtic crowd, and even though Atakan Karazor's misplaced pass led to a momentary equalizer from Benjamin Nygren, Stuttgart’s resilience saw them regaining the lead promptly. This strategic performance highlighted their ability to navigate high-pressure situations, a critical trait for success in European competitions.

Looking ahead, the outcome of this match sets the stage for an exciting return leg, where Celtic will need to significantly improve their performance to overturn the deficit. The stakes are high for both teams, as Stuttgart aims to secure their place in the next round, while Celtic seeks to leverage their home advantage and reclaim momentum in the competition. The anticipation surrounding the second leg is palpable, with fans from both sides eager to see if Stuttgart can maintain their lead or if Celtic can mount a comeback in front of their home supporters.