Key Points
- A former player of both Celtic and VfB Stuttgart has shared memories of their 2003 UEFA Cup clash.
- Celtic and Stuttgart faced off in the 2002/03 UEFA Cup round of 16, with Celtic winning 3-1 at home and losing 3-2 away, advancing on aggregate 5-4.
- The clubs are set to reunite in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-offs, first leg on 19 February in Glasgow and return on 26 February in Stuttgart.
- Celtic finished 21st in the Europa League league phase with 11 points from six matches.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 18, 2026 – A former star who played for both Celtic and VfB Stuttgart has recalled their dramatic 2003 UEFA Cup encounter as the clubs prepare to reunite in the Europa League knockout play-offs.
The ex-player, who featured for both sides, highlighted the intensity of the ties where Celtic secured a 3-1 home win before a 3-2 defeat in Germany, progressing 5-4 on aggregate to the quarter-finals.
What Was the 2003 UEFA Cup Match Like?
According to UEFA records, Celtic hosted Stuttgart on 20 February 2003 in the first leg of the UEFA Cup round of 16, triumphing 3-1 after leading 2-1 at half-time. Stuttgart responded in the second leg on 27 February, winning 3-2 despite Celtic’s efforts, but the Scottish side advanced overall.
European football statistics confirm the head-to-head record stands at one win each from two meetings, with Celtic scoring five goals to Stuttgart’s four.
Why Are Celtic and Stuttgart Reuniting Now?
The draw for the UEFA Europa League knockout play-offs has paired VfB Stuttgart against Celtic FC, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday 19 February in Glasgow and the return a week later on 26 February in Bad Cannstatt, as reported by VfB Stuttgart’s official site.
How Did Celtic Perform in the League Phase?
Celtic ended the Europa League league phase in 21st position with 11 points, securing wins over Feyenoord (3-1), Sturm Graz (2-1) and Utrecht (4-2), alongside draws against Red Star Belgrade (1-1) and Bologna (2-2), but losses to FC Midtjylland (3-1), Braga (2-0) and Roma (3-0).
What Lies Ahead for the Reunion?
Both clubs share a storied European history, with Celtic famously winning the 1966/67 European Cup and Stuttgart preparing to challenge the Scottish record champions in this two-legged tie.
Flashscore previews note the teams’ shared home wins from their previous encounters, setting the stage for a competitive play-off battle.
