"Stuttgart used the occasion of their visit to Glasgow to demonstrate the chasm between themselves and Celtic. Men against Bhoys. Next week's return leg in this Europa League playoff feels a formality. O'Neill's selection in Germany will be intriguing, given lingering battles on the domestic front. Celtic's on field regression is the most stark of things, given a year ago they were frightening Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Stuttgart may have bigger fish to fry than this competition."
"The evening had opened in unedifying style for Celtic. Only seconds after kick-off, supporters threw tennis balls on the pitch as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the club's board of directors. The protest felt half-hearted yet Uefa are likely to take a dim view of a delay in play which lasted for three minutes. One of umpteen fascinating aspects of this strangest of Celtic campaigns involves the split between supporter base and boardroom."
"This was hardly a novel point; the fourth-placed side in the Bundesliga were facing one who squeezed past Dundee, Livingston and Kilmarnock in recent matches. Should they be sufficiently motivated, Stuttgart should rank among the Europa League favourites. With this in mind, the Germans barely needed the favours provided by Kasper Schmeichel. Celtic's goalkeeping position has been a problem for months, with Schmeichel's regular blundering only emphasising why he should have been replaced last summer."
Martin O'Neill declined a celebration for his 1,000th professional management game. Stuttgart's visit exposed a clear quality gap between themselves and Celtic, making the return leg feel largely formal. Stuttgart impressed at Celtic Park and could have scored more, and they should be content with a last-16 place likely secure. Celtic's on-field regression contrasts with last season's performances against Bayern Munich. Supporters protested by throwing tennis balls, causing a three-minute delay that Uefa may penalise. The club appears fractured between fans and boardroom. Celtic's goalkeeping has been a persistent problem, with Kasper Schmeichel's regular blunders highlighted.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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