For 78 minutes, Bayern Munich looked every bit the dominant force expected to cruise into the Champions League’s last 16. The return leg seemed little more than a formality.
Then, something unexpected happened. Daizen Maeda’s header injected life into Celtic’s hopes, turning a one-sided contest into a battle. Bayern, once in complete control, began to show cracks. Despite still being favorites, Vincent Kompany’s side now faces a far trickier second leg than anticipated.
Celtic’s resilience was commendable. They refused to buckle under the weight of an elite opponent, instead displaying intelligence and bravery throughout. Kompany acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the significance of the victory given Celtic’s formidable home record. Before the second leg, Bayern must navigate a crucial Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, urged his players to approach the return leg in Munich with no regrets. His side remains firmly in contention. A string of strong home performances in Europe had fueled confidence ahead of Bayern’s visit, and within 30 seconds, that belief nearly turned into an early lead. Nicolas Kühn’s strike past Manuel Neuer sent the stadium into a frenzy, but Adam Idah’s offside position meant the goal was ruled out.
Bayern responded in measured fashion, asserting dominance through possession. Leroy Sané posed a constant threat, and Michael Olise, linking well with Harry Kane, forced Kasper Schmeichel into a sharp save. Kane also tested the Danish keeper with a dangerous cross.
The visiting fans made their feelings known, unveiling banners seemingly protesting the club’s decision not to wear their traditional red and white kit. UEFA had deemed the lettering on Bayern’s home kit unreadable, leading to the switch.
Celtic found themselves unusually restricted on their own turf. Bayern’s passing, movement, and physicality were impressive, though clear-cut chances were scarce. Kane saw one effort saved from close range before missing a header from Olise’s corner. Just as it seemed Bayern’s wastefulness might be costly, Olise struck a superb left-footed shot from 16 yards, beating Schmeichel on the stroke of halftime. The lead was well deserved.
Kane, frustrated by his earlier misses, made amends after the break. Latching onto Joshua Kimmich’s inswinging corner, he volleyed past Schmeichel to make it 2-0. It was his 29th goal of the season and his 19th against the former Leicester City keeper. With plenty of time left, Celtic faced an uphill task to keep the tie alive.
A controversial moment followed when Arne Engels went down in the Bayern box. Initially flagged offside, the decision was sent for VAR review, though replays showed Dayot Upamecano had won the ball cleanly before minimal contact with Engels. After a lengthy delay, no penalty was awarded.
Schmeichel denied Serge Gnabry from close range as Bayern chased a third, but Neuer’s misjudgment at the other end nearly gifted Celtic a goal. Maeda pounced but sent his effort flashing across the face of goal. He made no mistake moments later, though. An Engels corner was flicked on by Auston Trusty and Yang Hyunjun before Maeda nodded home from close range.
A VAR check confirmed the goal stood, and Celtic surged forward with renewed belief. Alistair Johnston tested Neuer as stoppage time ticked away, and by the final whistle, applause rang around the stadium. Celtic had given themselves a fighting chance.
