Celtic's European adventure has come to an end, but the real drama is about to unfold. As the team embarks on a crucial two-week period, the fate of their entire season hangs in the balance.
By mid-March, Celtic could be cruising towards league glory and a Scottish Cup semi-final spot. Alternatively, they might find themselves in a battle to retain their title and facing a season without silverware.
The first hurdle is a mammoth league clash at Ibrox on Sunday, where Celtic trail Rangers by a slim margin of two points, having played one game less. Hearts, six points clear of the champions, add to the pressure.
Then, it's a midweek trip to Aberdeen, followed by a return to Ibrox for a Scottish Cup quarter-final, and a home fixture against the formidable Motherwell.
With six of their next seven matches away from Celtic Park, this much-criticized squad is about to face a severe test of their resilience. Former Celtic defender Johann Mjallby predicts a rollercoaster ride, suggesting the league title could go down to the wire.
"There will be twists and turns, and I wouldn't be surprised if it goes to the final day," Mjallby said. "Celtic need to be relentless to take the trophies."
But here's where it gets controversial...
Celtic's 1-0 victory over Stuttgart, while not enough to progress in the Europa League, has sparked a selection dilemma for manager Martin O'Neill. With a 4-1 home loss in the first leg, the win in Germany could still prove significant.
O'Neill made eight changes to his starting XI, and some of the fringe players seized their opportunity, securing Celtic's first-ever win in Germany against the Bundesliga's fourth-placed side.
Luke McCowan's early goal and positive play caught the eye, while defenders Dane Murray and Marcelo Sarrachi stood out in a gutsy performance. Murray, in particular, made a strong case to partner Liam Scales, with Auston Trusty suspended for the next three league games.
However, the most notable performance came from backup goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, who played a crucial role in Celtic's first clean sheet in six matches.
Kasper Schmeichel, 39, has been under the microscope after a series of errors, including a lackluster display in the home defeat to Stuttgart. Sinisalo, 26, stepped in and produced a "perfect" performance, according to former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov.
Pat Bonner, the former Celtic goalkeeper, believes Sinisalo has done enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.
"He looked composed and read the game well. I'd start him and give him a run in the team," Bonner said.
O'Neill agrees that several players have given him a selection headache, or rather, a pleasant selection choice.
"[Sinisalo] played brilliantly. He's got talent, and the players have shown they're capable of winning games," O'Neill said.
The Celtic manager's decision will be pivotal as the team aims to adopt a more pragmatic approach. Having conceded multiple goals in recent games, a resilient display in Stuttgart offers a glimmer of hope.
"You don't need all the possession to win. Hard work, solid defense, a bit of luck, and a good goalkeeper can make all the difference," Bonner added.
Celtic's season has been a struggle, but they're still in the hunt for the league title. The upcoming weekend will be critical as the team looks to build on their confidence from the Stuttgart win.
So, will Celtic's new-found resilience be enough to see them through this challenging fortnight? And will O'Neill's selection choices pay off? The answers will shape the destiny of their season.
What do you think? Will Celtic rise to the occasion, or will their rivals steal the glory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
