“Naturally, I am delighted,” Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s first ever win in Germany
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Martin O’Neill has revealed Celtic’s next steps ahead of Sunday’s trip to Ibrox following their 1-0 victory over Stuttgart in the Europa League last night…
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)
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Although the Scottish champions bowed out of the tournament, they recorded a historic milestone by claiming their first win in Germany, with Luke McCowan netting the decisive goal after 30 seconds.
In his post-match comments, the 73-year-old commended his squad for their discipline and resilience, highlighting how they successfully frustrated Sebastian Hoeness’ side throughout the encounter at MHP Arena.
Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring 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)
O’Neill told TNT Sports: “Naturally, I am delighted. Delighted with the effort and the determination that they put into the game. They got off to a really great start.”
“We felt, if we don’t concede in the first 20 minutes of the match, and maybe even nick a goal, we could still be in the tie. We are playing a very, very good side. A side, from my viewpoint, who are capable of winning the competition.”
O’Neill added: “Naturally, it’s a different game (against Rangers). We don’t have that much time to get ourselves ready for it. But we will go again. We are staying overnight here, and we will travel back tomorrow. Then get ourselves ready for it, and that’s what we can do. That’s what we will do. The result is in the lap of the gods.”
The teams line-up prior to 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)
When questioned about Scotland’s coefficient – which will see the champions next season start in the Champions League second qualifying round – O’Neill responded: “It’s not my main aim.”
“At least it’s keeping Scottish football, I suppose; in that sense, the coefficient keeps dropping down. I heard, within 18 months, the side that now finishes second will go into a play-off game for a match in the Conference League. That’s not fantastic news.”
Conor Spence
The view from the Celtic end in Stuttgart. VfB Stuttgart 0-1 Celtic. Photo Conor Spence (The Celtic Star)
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