Celtic thrashed 4-1 by Stuttgart in Martin O’Neill’s 1000th managerial game | OneFootball

Celtic fell to a 4-1 defeat in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off first leg at Celtic Park on Thursday evening in Martin O’Neill’s 100th managerial game.

Stuttgart went ahead in the 15th minute, with Bilal El Khannouss slotting past Kasper Schmeichel following a mistake from the Celtic goalkeeper.

Benjamin Nygren restored parity, taking advantage of a poor pass to round the goalkeeper before putting the ball into an empty net.

El Khannouss restored Stuttgart’s lead, heading Angelo Stiller’s cross home, beating Schmeichel for the second time.

The on-loan Leicester City midfielder threatened again in the 35th minute, but this time, he could not hit the target.

Jamie Leweling wasted a chance to give Stuttgart a two-goal cushion before half-time, blazing high from close range.

Leweling eventually made it 3-1 in the 57th minute, smashing past the outstretched Schmeichel.

Moments later, Ermedin Demirovic thought he had added to Stuttgart’s lead, only for his effort to be ruled offside.

Alexander Nubel then made a great save to deny Nygren from pulling one back for the hosts.

Nikolas Nartey missed a chance to give Stuttgart a three-goal cushion, heading wide from close range, before Tiago Tomas finally made it 4-1 in stoppage time.

Just before full-time, Julian Araujo squandered a golden opportunity to give Celtic a lifeline, failing to hit the target with the net wide open.