Stuttgart advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-2 aggregate win over Celtic, despite losing 1-0 at MHP Arena on Thursday.

Luke McCowan struck after just 28 seconds to give a much-changed Celtic side hope, but last week's 4-1 home loss left them with too much to do.

The travelling supporters were certainly given hope when Junior Adamu played through McCowan to coolly side-foot past Alexander Nubel early on.

After some brief Celtic pressure, when Viljami Sinisalo was needed to make a couple of saves, Badredine Bouanani volleyed over from close range at the other end.

Bouanani also squandered a big chance early in the second period, while Chris Fuhrich and then Deniz Undav had goals ruled out for offside.

Stuttgart ultimately could not make their pressure tell, but Celtic's lack of threat ensured it was plain sailing for the German side over the two legs as they set up a showdown with either Porto or Braga.

Celtic score in the first minute! #UEL pic.twitter.com/Yc1anBBVoQ

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 26, 2026

Data Debrief: Celtic fail to build on early goal

Martin O'Neill made eight changes to Celtic's starting line-up, with Sunday's crucial Old Firm clash against Rangers clearly taking priority, though they did earn a first win on German soil in 17 attempts.

McCowan's goal was their earliest in a European match since November 2017, when Moussa Dembele scored against Paris Saint-Germain after 56 seconds.

But the visitors managed no more shots before half-time – on target or otherwise – while they only managed two more in the second half.

Stuttgart registered 1.86 expected goals (xG) to their opponents' 0.3, but a failure to score from 23 attempts – eight of those on target – will concern Hoeness.

They are now winless in eight European matches on home soil, meanwhile, and will know more will be required in the next round.