Celtic vs Bayern Munich LIVE: Champions League result as unmarked Harry Kane scores in play-off win | OneFootball

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Maeda trains as Celtic prepare for UCL play-off match against Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich scored either side of halftime through Michael Olise and Harry Kane but had to endure late pressure from hosts Celtic before securing a 2-1 victory in their Champions League playoff first leg. .

Olise's stunning shot in the 45th minute put the German side in front and Kane doubled the lead with a 49t-minute volley at the far post. Celtic cut the deficit in the 79th minute thanks to Daizen Maeda's close-range header to inject late drama into the match.

Bayern defended well as Celtic poured forward and needed a fine save from keeper Manuel Neuer in stoppage time to hold on to victory ahead of Tuesday's return leg in Munich to decide a place in the round of 16.

Pinned

Celtic’s unforgivable error leaves them requiring a Champions League miracle

Celtic had talked up the visit of “European royalty” in Glasgow, of “hurting” Bayern Munich under the fierce lights and thunderous atmosphere of a big Champions League night at Parkhead. Then the England captain rolled into town and Celtic unfurled the red carpet, leaving Harry Kane unmarked at the back post to put Bayern Munich in control of this Champions League play-off tie. Celtic knew they likely had to take a lead to Munich to have a chance of progress, and now a miracle is required after their first Champions League knockout tie since 2013 ended in defeat.

Brendan Rodgers had been effusive in his praise of Kane and Celtic did not need to be told of the danger of the poacher with more Champions League goals than any other Englishman, least of all the goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Kane had put more goals past Schmeichel than any other goalkeeper and his 19th against the Dane for both club and country could not have been simpler. As Kane lurked in his trademark position at the back post, Joshua Kimmich’s inswinging cross found the striker on his own. Celtic switched off, with defenders left pointing to each other. It was unforgivable and Kane was typically clinical.

Celtic’s unforgivable error leaves them requiring a Champions League miracle

Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich: Harry Kane was left unmarked to double the visitors’ lead, although Daizen Maeda’s late goal gives the Scottish side some hope ahead of next week’s return leg

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Chris Wilson12 February 2025 22:05

Rodgers reacts

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says that his “overriding feeling” was that his side were a little too passive at times.

“We still feel, without doing so much with the ball, that we were stable enough without it, but they get a little bit of luck.

“It was about us being more aggressive, so that’s our mindset. We then give away a goal.

“The one player you don’t leave unmarked is arguably the best striker in world football,” he adds regarding Kane’s goal.

“At 2-1, they’re hanging on then, so that’s what we can take from it, we’ve got one more shot. It’s a new level for a lot of the players.

“One more shot, a wonderful arena, let’s go and see where it takes us,” he says.

“We’ve shown that we can play football, we can be a threat. We’re still right in the tie.

“We’ll find confidence from that last period, and I’m looking forward to next Tuesday.”

Chris Wilson12 February 2025 22:31