Celtic Manager Martin O Neill waves to fans. Stuttgart v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Knockout Round Play Offs, Second Leg, Football, MHP Arena, Stuttgart, Germany – 26 Feb 2026Stuttgart MHP Arena Germany Photo James Marsh Shutterstock
FATHER MARTIN AND SAMWISE GANGEE – 7/10 – Well, he made the changes many wanted and maybe expected, and certainly got a turn out of them. And more…A first win on German soil to pin on his illustrious Celtic CV, and maybe a far more valuable mental boost for the squad than he could possibly have anticipated. The motivation and tactics were spot-on and incredibly useful going into the domestic run-in; a landmark win and maybe a pivotal moment of belief for an embattled squad who have been running more on hope than conviction. The team-talks are simple for the rest of the season – ‘This mob are no flaming Stuttgart.’
Referee Irfan Peljto gestures 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 Harry Langer DeFodi Images
MIBBERY – 2/10 – Whew. After the inaction when Calmac took a sore one, I feared they might be the Bosnian branch of the Dallas Appreciation Society Of Sleekit Wotsits. But faith in decent officiating was restored when they disallowed the equaliser for that sneaky run-on from the sidelines by one of their own countrymen. Well, feigned an ‘offside’ with photoshopped lines, purely for a bit of sporting integrity. Well played.
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Coaches ,Team and supporters👏👏👏👏👏👏.
Same again Sunday please.
Hail Hail.