Celtic vs. VfB Stuttgart: Europa League Playoff Preview

Celtic and VfB Stuttgart face off at Celtic Park on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off. A place in the last-16 is at stake for both sides.

Match Details

• Date: February 19, 2026
• Time: 20:00 UTC
• Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
• Competition: UEFA Europa League, Knockout Stage

Recent Form

Celtic recently had a ten-game undefeated streak across all competitions, winning eight of those matches. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, having conceded 15 goals in eight Europa League group stage games – the second-highest total among teams continuing in the competition. They conceded eight goals in front of their home crowd during the Europa League group stage.

VfB Stuttgart enters the match in strong form, boasting one of the best offenses in their league. They have scored at least twice in eight of their ten competitive games since the winter break. The German club has won five of their last six matches across all competitions.

Head-to-Head Record

The clubs last met in the 2002/03 UEFA Cup round of 16, with Celtic winning 3-1 at home and narrowly losing 2-3 in Stuttgart. Martin O’Neill was Celtic’s manager during that tie and is currently the interim manager.

Key Statistics

• Celtic Possession: 52.5%
• VfB Stuttgart Possession: 47.5%
• Celtic Shots on Goal: 2
• VfB Stuttgart Shots on Goal: 5
• Celtic Shot Attempts: 11
• VfB Stuttgart Shot Attempts: 16
• Celtic Corner Kicks: 4
• VfB Stuttgart Corner Kicks: 2
• Celtic Saves: 1
• VfB Stuttgart Saves: 11

Recent Result

Celtic 1 – 4 VfB Stuttgart (February 19, 2026)

Celtic Goalscorer: Benjamin Nygren (21′)

VfB Stuttgart Goalscorers: Bilal El Khannouss (15′, 28′), Jamie Leweling (57′), Tiago Tomás (90’+3)

Betting Odds (as of February 19, 2026)

Odds are subject to change.

Expert Prediction

VfB Stuttgart appears to be the more stable team with higher individual and collective quality. A bet on Stuttgart to score in both halves (odds of 3.00 at Bet365) presents value, given their strong attacking record. An away win for VfB Stuttgart is similarly a possibility, with odds of 2.25 at Bet-at-home.

Key Takeaways

• Celtic have conceded 15 goals in 8 Europa League games.
• VfB Stuttgart has been prolific in attack, scoring at least twice in 8 of their 10 competitive games in 2026.
• The first leg is being played at Celtic Park.