Celtic on brink of Europa League exit after heavy defeat by Stuttgart

Celtic are on the verge of elimination from the Europa League after Kasper Schmeichel’s errors contributed to a dismal 4-1 home defeat by Stuttgart in the knockout round play-off first leg.

Schmeichel struggles on difficult night

The 39-year-old goalkeeper was jeered by sections of the home crowd after being at fault for two of the Bundesliga side’s goals.

Bilal El Khannouss struck twice for the visitors, while Jamie Leweling and Tiago Tomas also found the net to leave the Scottish Premiership leaders with a mountain to climb.

The match began in chaotic fashion as play was halted immediately due to tennis balls being thrown onto the pitch in protest against the club’s board.

Once play resumed, a defensive mix-up allowed El Khannouss to beat the Danish veteran at his near post with a drive that slipped past his left foot.

German side take control

Benjamin Nygren briefly restored parity, intercepting a loose pass to round the opposition goalkeeper and slot home his 16th goal of the campaign.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as El Khannouss was left unmarked to head home a deflected cross just minutes later.

Stuttgart extended their advantage shortly after the break when Leweling’s speculative drive from distance was fumbled into the net by the former Leicester City stopper.

That error prompted audible frustration from the stands, with Schmeichel’s subsequent touches met with hostility from the Parkhead faithful.

O’Neill faces domestic pressure

Tiago Tomas added a fourth in stoppage time to all but seal the tie ahead of next week’s return leg in Germany.

Manager Martin O’Neill, who famously led the club to the Uefa Cup final against the same opponents in 2003, will now likely turn his attention to the domestic campaign.

The heavy loss precedes a gruelling run of four away fixtures in 10 days, including two trips to Ibrox and a visit to Aberdeen.