Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich – An enthralling 97 minutes of football

The Celtic Star

·13 février 2025

Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich – An enthralling 97 minutes of football

When Harry Kane scored we feared the worst, but in the end the team gave a good account of themselves. Despite the defeat, the Bhoys can hold their heads high…

Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic and Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Well that was an enthralling 97 minutes of football, and in the end as disappointing as it was to lose, we showed great character in a game that at one stage looked like we were going to be on the wrong end of a drubbing.

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Bayern are a superb side. a massive level above us, and anyone watching them in the flesh last night would have seen just that. From back to front they just oozed class. They had a World Cup winner, and several Champions League winners in their side, so the gulf in class was pretty evident.

Celtic starting XI Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Knockout Round Play-offs, First Leg, Celtic Park, 12 February 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

A major improvement

The way we contained them for most of the first half was pleasing, and a major improvement on previous games against elite sides at Celtic Park. Just when it looked like we were heading in at half time with a positive showing to show for our efforts, Bayern snatched the lead through a well taken goal by Michael Olise.

Michael Olise of Bayern Munich scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and FC Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A huge blow

It was a huge blow, and the heads would’ve been down in the dressing room that’s for sure. Things got worse after the restart when Harry Kane scored to give the Germans a two goal advantage, and it looked like we were in for a long forty odd minutes.

Bayern took control and looked like adding to their lead, but this Celtic side are made of strong stuff. They have learned a lot at this level and to their credit they refused to be beaten and got their reward when Daizen Maeda scored with just 12 minute of regulation time remaining.

Celtic denied a sensational opener and a penalty

Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich is challenged by Callum McGregor of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic and Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

After being denied the lead inside the first minute for a strange and controversial offside call ruling out Nicolas Kuhn’s wonderful finish, Celtic were also denied a penalty after Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano was called to the VAR monitor and could clearly see the stamp on Arne Engels’ foot but decided against awarding Celtic the spot kick.

'We can match Bayern' Arne Engels says his Celtic side have a 'positive feeling' after defeat to Bayern Munich ⤵️ #BBCFootball #UCL
– mercredi 12 février 2025

But Celtic finished the match the stronger side with Brendan Rodgers perhaps getting the message that Daizen Maeda is the top striker at Celtic and perhaps has been all season long. With him leading the press the match changed. Food for thought for next week, hope we have a different referee though.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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