Celtic to play VfB Stuttgart in Europa League play-offs

After last night’s 4-2 win over FC Utrecht at Paradise, Celtic progressed to the play-off round of the Europa League after finishing in 21st spot with 11 points in the league phase…

Celtic v Utrecht, UEFA Europa League, League Stage. Back row (L-R) Sebastian Tounekti, Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren, Liam Scales, Kasper Schmeichel. Front row (L-R) Daizen Maeda, Yang Hyeon-Jun, Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, Colby Donovan Photo: Kenny Ramsay. IMAGO / News Licensing

In today’s Europa League draw Celtic has been paired with Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart who many supporters will remember as one of the sides Celtic defeated on the road to the UEFA Cup Seville in 2003 when Celtic of course were managed by current interm manager Martin O’Neill.

Martin O'Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium — Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Stuggart are currently in 5th place in the Bundesliga on 36 points with 11 wins three draws and five defeats. The finished their Europa League group stage campaign with a 3-2 home win over Swiss side Young Boys and finished the Europa League group stages with 15 points, the same tally as both Bologna and Ferencvaros reached.

Celtic and Utrecht players shake hands before kick off. Celtic v Utrecht, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 29 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

The first leg of the tie against VfB Stuttgart should be played at Celtic Park on Thursday 19 February with the second leg in Stuttgart set to take place a week later on Thursday 26 February. Celtic has a TBC next to this so please double-check before booking flights.

Celtic is the only Scottish club left in European competition and obviously will now have two additional matches in February against a top quality German side.

🆚 We have been drawn against Stuttgart in the knockout play-off round of the @EuropaLeague

Full fixture info TBC 🗓#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/4Z0saS2aGG

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 30, 2026

Don’t forget to read Sandman’s Definitive Ratings, up now on The Celtic Star….

Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v Uterus

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These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale - click on image to order... — These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…

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