Celtic learn Europa League play-off opponents as route to quarter-final mapped out
Hoops heading to Germany with Portuguese opposition lying in wait
Celtic have discovered who they will face in the Europa League knockout play-off round next month.
Martin O'Neill's men booked their place as an unseeded side in the draw following a 4-2 win over Utrecht in their final league phase match at Parkhead on Thursday night, which secured a 21st place finish in the table on 11 points.
The draw for the play-off round took place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday.
Celtic already knew that they would be drawn against either Stuttgart or Ferencvaros, who finished 11th and 12th respectively in the league phase to secure seeded status.
It has now been confirmed that last season's Scottish champions will take on German side Stuttgart, who are currently fifth in the Bundesliga and are managed by Sebastian Hoeneß.
The first leg will take place at Celtic Park on Thursday, February 19 with the return leg at the Neckarstadion one week later on February 26.
Celtic last faced Stuttgart during their run to the UEFA Cup final under O’Neill in season 2002-23, emerging 5-4 winners on aggregate with a 3-1 home leg victory followed by a 3-2 defeat in the return fixture in Germany.
Celtic have also learned who they will meet in the last 16 if they emerge victorious against Stuttgart.
It will be Portuguese opposition for the Hoops with either Porto or Braga lying in wait for a place in the quarter-finals.
The draw for the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals will be held on February 27 following the conclusion of the play-off round.
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