Overview
- Bilal El Khannouss struck twice in the first half (15', 28'), with Jamie Leweling (57') and Tiago Tomás (90+3') adding goals after Benjamin Nygren’s 21st-minute equaliser from an Atakan Karazor error.
- The match was briefly halted moments after kickoff when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch in a protest by sections of Celtic supporters.
- A VAR check ruled out an Ermedin Demirović goal for offside, and some home fans began leaving well before full-time.
- Stuttgart will be without defender Jeff Chabot in the second leg due to suspension for yellow-card accumulation.
- The 4-1 away advantage leaves VfB strongly positioned to reach the round of 16 next week, with Porto or Braga awaiting if they progress.