VfB Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic – Time for some Definitive Ratings

Showing 1 of 6

SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC @ STAGGERED…

“Doesn’t expecting the unexpected make the unexpected expected?” – Bob Dylan.

Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic
Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

VINDALOO – 7.5/10 – Big game, big test… Big goalie. Matches like these define your Celtic career, and the number one shirt will – and should – be deservedly his after the summer. If not before, dependant on Kasper’s decline/injury situation. Getting frazzled in a German cauldron by a top Bundesliga side is the most unforgiving acid test any young keeper could go through. Vinny came out of this one having displayed a plethora of goalkeeping attributes with decent saves across the board. Most impressive for me was his focussed calm, and sharpness. Keeper’s a keeper.

Colby Donovan of Celtic
26 02 2026, UEFA Europa League, VfB Stuttgart Celtic Glasgow v l Colby Donovan Celtic Glasgow Jamie Leweling VfB Stuttgart battle for the ball. Photo IMAGO

MELLOW YELLOW – 7/10 – A roustabout with one of the best wide-men in the Bundesliga – and he came out smiling. Showed he was right up for the jousting, refused to be rinsed, kept coming back for more to the frustration of his opponent. Handicapped by a yellow for trying to swap jerseys too early, but maintained his
composure until hooked.

Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic
Josha Vagnoman of VfB Stuttgart battles for possession with Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

SCRATCHY – 7/10 – With the Mexican cartels running riot, there must have been a level of nostalgia burning within our diminutive Uruguayan hitman. He’s certainly all-action and up for the conflict, which was a necessity against relentless attacks, but does also seen to possess fine timing for the knife-edge moments when a toe or touch is the difference between defiance or disaster. Fine game.

Dane Murray in Stuttgart
Players of VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC anticipate a corner kick during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

GREAT – 7/10 – ‘KISSED’ was the game-plan acronym – Keep It Simple, Stupid, Especially Dane. And the kid did. For once he maintained his intensity for the 90 minutes. No daft or hapless incidents; quite the opposite as his intuition and commitment produced the goal-saving block of the night, just yards out. A massive confidence-boosting and priceless experience night for the bhoy.

Auston Trusty of Celtic
Auston Trusty of Celtic FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic FC at Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 7.5/10 – Solid and masterful defending from the recently-maligned and mercilessly victimised (by treacherous MIBs), big Yank. With his young sidekick needing a bit of prompting, the big bhoy had his hands full, more so as when Stuttgart piled forward they pushed two men down the middle. But Austin took control of the situation, kept pushing the line high, forcing them to make decisions, alter runs. He kept good command of our final third until the last fifteen, when their quality overwhelmed our tiring legs, but even then his battling nature deep in the box kept them out. He’ll be a miss, Sunday, on this sort of form. And the devious MIBs knew it…

Continues on the next page…

Showing 1 of 6

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

Welcome to our Live Comments section, where new comments will appear automatically

1 Comment