Match Preview
Celtic and VfB Stuttgart collide at Celtic Park in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Knockout Play-offs. It’s a classic two-leg European tie: the home side wants to build an advantage under the lights in Glasgow, while the visitors will aim for a composed away performance that sets up the return leg in Germany.
For Celtic, the mission is clear. Start quickly, feed off the crowd, and force Stuttgart into uncomfortable defending early on. Celtic Park can turn momentum into pressure in minutes, especially if the home side win duels in midfield and keep attacks alive through second balls and set pieces. The risk, however, is leaving space behind when the tempo rises European play-offs punish mistakes more than most league matches.
Stuttgart arrive with a style that can travel. In away knockout games, the priority is often control: keep the ball when possible, avoid cheap turnovers, and pick moments to push numbers forward. If Stuttgart can survive the early Celtic wave, they’ll look to turn the match into a tactical contest where one clean passing move or one transition can flip the tie.
The key battle sits in the middle of the pitch. If Celtic can press effectively and win territory high up the field, they can create repeated chances and force defensive errors. If Stuttgart can break that press and play through the first line, Celtic may be stretched and forced to defend in longer phases than they want.
Because this is a first leg, game management matters. Celtic will want intensity without chaos, and Stuttgart will want discipline without surrendering too much territory. The scoreline at full-time will shape everything about the second leg.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Broadcast rights vary by country for UEFA competitions. Check your local TV listings and streaming providers on matchday to confirm the official channel and kick-off time in your region.
Match Information
| Date | 19 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 (local) / 20:00 UTC |
| Venue | Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – Knockout Play-offs (1st Leg) |
| 2nd Leg | 26 February 2026 – Stuttgart (Germany) |
Fixture scheduling for both legs is listed in official and major fixture sources. :
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 Celtic | N/A |
| X Draw | N/A |
| 2 VfB Stuttgart | N/A |
Odds note: Prices vary by bookmaker and can change quickly. In a first-leg knockout match, markets often reflect home advantage, but also expect a controlled tempo with both teams protecting the tie. Re-check odds close to kick-off for the most accurate numbers.
Form and Head-to-Head
| Team | Form Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Celtic | Strong home energy in Europe, usually pushing tempo early and building pressure through wide play and set pieces. |
| VfB Stuttgart | Organised side that can manage away spells well, looking for clean transitions and controlled possession phases. |
Head-to-Head: UEFA’s match history pages track prior meetings and context between the clubs across European competition.
Key Tactical Notes
- Celtic’s key: press with control, keep Stuttgart pinned, and turn territory into clear chances (not just possession).
- Stuttgart’s key: survive the early atmosphere, break the first press, and punish any over-commitment in transition.
- Set pieces: first legs are often decided by corners and wide free kicks both teams will target second-ball moments.
- Game state: the first goal can reshape the entire tie, especially with the second leg in Germany.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Celtic 1-1 VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: Celtic should have strong home spells and momentum phases, but Stuttgart’s structure and away-game management can keep this tight. A draw feels realistic for a first leg, leaving the tie wide open heading into the return match.
Suggested lean: Under 3.5 goals • Stuttgart double chance (X2) • Both teams to score (small stake)