VfB Stuttgart put themselves in an excellent position for the return leg of their Europa League playoff by defeating Celtic Glasgow 4-1 at Celtic Park. The match saw standout performances from Bilal El Khannouss, who scored two early goals, as well as contributions from Jamie Leweling and Tiago Tomás, solidifying Stuttgart's control of the game. Despite a momentary equalizer from Celtic courtesy of Benjamin Nygren, Stuttgart's attacking prowess proved too much for the home side.

The first half displayed Stuttgart's dominance, as they effectively managed the match tempo and created numerous scoring opportunities. The quality of their attack was a stark contrast to previous matches, where they struggled with finishing. Coaches and fans alike were pleased with the clinical nature of their performance, which now means that even a narrow loss in the upcoming second leg would be sufficient for Stuttgart to advance to the Round of 16, facing either FC Porto or Sporting Braga.

With this victory, VfB Stuttgart not only boosts their confidence going into the return leg but also showcases their potential as a competitive side in European football. Their ability to perform under pressure and in iconic venues like Celtic Park indicates their readiness to challenge for greater honors in the tournament. The result is significant not only for Stuttgart's season but also indicates a growing competitiveness of German teams in European competitions.