Celtic pulled off a shock but impressive victory against Stuttgart for their first win on German soil, but it was not enough to avoid dropping out of the Europa League knockout play-offs.
Luke McCowan scored after just 28 seconds to give the much-changed visitors a glimmer of hope following last week’s 4-1 defeat.
The hosts did have the ball in the net twice, but both goals were ruled out for offside. The first was scored by Chris Fuhrich, the second by Deniz Undav.
Despite Stuttgart’s second-half siege, Celtic were able to hold on for a morale-boosting win going into a pivotal Old Firm double header.
There were positives to take, though. It was Celtic’s first win in Germany in 17 attempts, while Martin O’Neill was also able to rest plenty of key players ahead of the Old Firm at Ibrox on Sunday.
The clean sheet, kept by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo with Kasper Schmeichel rested, will offer confidence while up front, the attacking trio of Daizen Maeda, Junior Adamu and McCowan looked threatening.
Analysis: Celtic confidence boosted ahead of season-defining derby
Starts don’t get much faster than the one Celtic made in Stuttgart, but for much of the game it seemed more likely that the German hosts would find a leveller and motor away.
By the 25th minute, McCowan’s goal was the only shot Celtic had taken as Stuttgart had made 18 entries into the final third.
Yet by half-time, it was still 1-0 and Celtic’s backline was holding firm.
The second half followed a similar rhythm. Five minutes in, and Celtic had only completed five passes. In the second half, they had just four touches in Stuttgart’s box.
But such was the strength of Scots’ rearguard, O’Neill may well have a headache over his Sunday selections.
Will it be Brentford loanee Ben Arthur or Dane Murray? The latter was impressive on the night and made one superb block that denied Undav from close range.
In goal, will it be under-fire Schmeichel or number two Sinisalo, who kept Celtic in front with numerous saves? Calls for a change between the sticks have been loud from the stands, and will only grow following the Finn’s fine performance.
Up top, will the attacking trio who flourished on the counter – Maeda, McCowan and Adamu – get the nod?
On another night, Maeda might have made it 2-0 within five minutes, but he could not get a touch on Adamu’s cross.
Either way, Celtic will be content with their work. A three-goal win was a distant dream and failing that, they did everything else asked of them.
Now the question is, can they do it on Sunday with league contention on the line? Can they show another performance full of grit and heart at Ibrox?
Only time will tell.
