Celtic 1-2 Stuttgart, Half Time

Celtic welcomed Stuttgart back to Paradise for the first time in more than two decades, when incredibly Martin O’Neill was in the dugout in his first stint at the club.

The match got off to a slow start when dozens of supporters clubs and groups threw balls onto the pitch in protest against the current hierarchy and various issues with the running of the club. After a long delay, action finally got underway properly and Celtic’s wide men looked sharp on both sides.

A period of abysmal play followed a poor corner kick delivery . There were a number of failed clearances and scrappy touches, which culminated in Schmeichel playing a dreadful ball out from the back and Stuttgart took advantage by reclaiming possession and a low shot beat the Celtic goalkeeper. He should have done better.

That goal game with barely 15 minutes on the clock and did little to improve the atmosphere in the stadium, which was almost solely provided by the away fans again.

On 18 minutes Cvancara made the most of a half chance and tested the goalkeeper – positive signs could have been in the offing after all. Within two minutes of that effort, Celtic drew level. This time it was the turn of the Stuttgart defence to gift a goal as sloppy play at the back handed Nygren a one on one opportunity and the Swede coolly rounded the keeper to slot home.

By the 28th minute, amateur hour returned as an ongoing inability to defend balls into the box was demonstrated by the Hoops. A deflected cross looped eight yards from the Celtic goal and the defence left the smallest man on the pitch totally unmarked, with a free header to put the Germans back in front. It was shocking defending, which had been the story of the goals to this point and indeed of both teams in the first third of the match.

Play for the remainder of the half was even with no further clear cut chances. Martin O’Neill will need to see a positive reaction from the players in the second half if we are to have any chance in the tie.