Alan McInally – Celtic can exploit ‘vulnerable’ Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Alan McInally says that Celtic can exploit ‘vulnerable’ Bayern Munich across the two legs of our UEFA Champions League play-off tie. The former Hoops striker has played for both clubs in his career, as well as both sides’ group phase foe, Aston Villa. Now he reckons the Bhoys have a real opportunity to hurt Vincent Kompany’s side and cause a shock.

Vincent Kompany, Head Coach of Bayern Munich, speaks with his players during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena on November 22, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

It’s been several years now since the last time we played Bayern Munich in the tournament, with Brendan Rodgers coming so close to getting something from the game that night at Celtic Park. The team and crowd were absolutely in the mood that evening and if it hadn’t been for a poor defensive issue, we might have gotten a point or perhaps even more as the match was swinging slightly in our favour at that point.

It was not to be though and Bayern escaped with all three points in the old group stage format. This time around, the Germans have struggled in the refreshed league format and lost three out of four away games in the first part of the campaign. They lost 4-1 to Barcelona in the Nou Camp, 3-0 to Feyenoord and 1-0 to Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Bayern Munich Head Coach Vincent Kompany during the UEFA Champions League Media Conference at Celtic Park on February 11, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

McInally says that Rodgers and his team can exploit the Bayern weaknesses and get a result at Parkhead. Speaking on the Let Me Be Frank podcast, he said: “The vulnerability in terms of Bayern Munich at the moment defensively is something that Celtic should take into the game and use it positively. You know, if you can score two goals at Villa Park and keep the pressure up, having been 2-0 down, then you can definitely do it in Munich.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg Press Conference on February 11, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“They have to deal with players in an attacking sense that is going to cause you a few problems. They know that. Brendan knows that already. But in terms of a realism of ‘can you win over the two legs,’ I think what Bayern can’t do, is underestimate Celtic Park on a Champions League night. They cannot underestimate that. There will be large spells in the game where Celtic are in the game and put Bayern under pressure. And that’s when they’ll need to score. There’s no question that Celtic are in the tie all day long. This is not a foregone conclusion that Bayern are just going to turn them over.”

Paul Gillespie