Video – Bilal El Khannouss scores twice as Stuttgart thrash Celtic in Europa League knockout play-off

Moroccan star Bilal El Khannousss shined with VfB Stuttgart, scoring twice in a dominant 4-1 away victory over Celtic F.C. in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round.

The match, played at Celtic Park, saw El Khannouss open the scoring in the 15th minute with a left-footed strike from inside the penalty area, beating goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Celtic responded quickly, equalizing in the 21st minute through Benjamin Nygren. However, El Khannouss restored Stuttgart’s lead just seven minutes later, heading home his second goal of the night in the 28th minute.

Stuttgart extended their advantage in the second half, with Jamie Leweling scoring in the 57th minute before Tiago Tomás sealed the emphatic win deep into stoppage time (90+3’), putting the German side firmly on course for the Round of 16.

El Khannouss has now taken his Europa League tally to five goals in eight appearances this season. In the Bundesliga, he has contributed three goals and three assists in 16 matches. He has also registered one assist in three German Cup appearances.

Earlier this season, the Moroccan midfielder featured for Leicester City F.C., where he provided two assists in two English Championship matches before joining Stuttgart on loan.

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