Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Thu 26 February 2026 22:00, UK

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Celtic crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday with a 4-2 aggregate defeat despite beating Stuttgart 1-0 on the night.

There were early hopes that the Hoops could stage a memorable comeback when Luke McCowen put the visitors 1-0 up within the first minute.

However, from here, they struggled to break the German outfit down, as they cruised through the rest of the tie.

Nevertheless, it could have been a completely different game if Daizen Maeda had taken a chance towards the end of the second half, with Chris Sutton shocked that the attacker didn’t elect to shoot.

• Read more: Kasper Schmeichel now in deep danger after what happened in Stuttgart vs Celtic

Chris Sutton can’t believe Daizen Maeda didn’t shoot in glorious second-half chance

With Celtic desperate for a second goal to make it a grandstand finish at the MHP Arena, Maeda was presented with a perfect opportunity to make this happen.

Shortly after Stuttgart had a goal disallowed for offside, the 28-year-old found himself through, running into the German box.

Yet, he did not get a shot away, despite his envious position, which eventually led to him giving away the ball as the attack ended.

Maeda has got to get a shot off there…

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) February 26, 2026

Taking to X on 26 February, Sutton was shocked at what Maeda just did and stated: “Maeda has got to get a shot off there…”

• Read more: Celtic fans say the same thing about Reo Hatate as ‘dreadful’ full stats emerge from Stuttgart clash

How did Maeda perform vs Stuttgart?

According to Fotmob on 26 February, Maeda’s overall performance against Stuttgart was not much better.

Throughout the match, he contributed little, only making 24 touches, while also failing to have a shot or create a single chance.

On top of this, he somehow only completed two passes and failed to complete a single cross or dribble.

Therefore, it is becoming clear that O’Neill has to consider Maeda’s place in the starting XI going forward.

The Japan international is woefully out of form and has struggled to provide anything up top for weeks.

His hesitancy to take a shot in that late second-half chance shows that his confidence is on the decline, as many in-form strikers would have leathered the ball at the goal.

However, it remains to be seen if O’Neill sticks by the attacker for the impending Old Firm derby on Sunday, or if he looks at other options for the crucial Scottish Premiership match.