Celtic topples Stuttgart but loses on aggregate
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.
Luke McCowan struck after just 28 seconds to give a much-changed Celtic side hope, but last week's 4-1 home loss left it 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, Viljami Sinisalo was needed to make a couple of saves at the other end, while Badredine Bouanani volleyed over from close range.
Bouanani also squandered a big chance early in the second period, before Chris Fuhrich and then Deniz Undav had goals ruled out for offside.
Stuttgart ultimately could not make its pressure tell, but Celtic's lack of threat ensured it was plain sailing for the German side over the two legs as it set up a showdown with either Porto or Braga.
