Celtic face Europa League exit after El Khannouss double sparks Stuttgart rout

Guardian Sport

by Ewan Murray at Celtic Park

February 19, 2026

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Celtic suffered a significant setback in their quest to advance in the Europa League as they were routed 3-0 by Stuttgart at the Red Bull Arena. The match was overshadowed by El Khannouss’s brace, which proved decisive for the German side. Despite Celtic’s efforts, including a late consolation goal from Tiago Tomás, the result leaves them on the brink of elimination from the competition. This loss adds to the growing sense of frustration among fans, who have endured a chaotic season marked by poor performances and frequent managerial changes. The game started poorly for Celtic, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel coming under intense scrutiny after failing to prevent Jamie Leweling’s 57th-minute shot. Fans responded with audible frustration, booing their own goalkeeper as his subsequent mistakes further compounded the team’s woes. Schmeichel’s struggles were magnified by El Khannouss’s second-half double, which sealed Stuttgart’s victory and left Celtic supporters deflated. The match was a microcosm of Celtic’s beleaguered season, which has been riddled with inconsistency and low points. The club’s inability to secure a positive result against Stuttgart further deepens their crisis, particularly as they prepare for a crucial encounter with Rangers in the upcoming domestic fixture at Ibrox. This loss not only jeopardizes their European campaign but also raises questions about the team’s ability to compete on multiple fronts. For Celtic, the stakes could not be higher as they head into the second leg of their Europa League tie against Stuttgart. A win is now imperative for them to stand any chance of progressing, but the challenges they face extend beyond this match. The club must address underlying issues, including defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026