Celtic's UEFA Champions League play-off tie against Bayern Munich unfolded dramatically on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, at a packed Celtic Park. With an attendance of 57,406 fervent fans, Celtic faced a formidable Bayern side in the first leg of this knockout clash. Despite Bayern’s 2-1 victory, Daizen Maeda's late goal provided a crucial lifeline for the Scottish side as they prepare to face Bayern in the second leg next week in Munich.
The match kicked off with both teams displaying disciplined defensive structures. Celtic held their ground for most of the first half, but Bayern Munich's Michael Olise broke the deadlock seconds before half-time. Olise unleashed an unstoppable near-post strike that caught Celtic off guard, leaving them trailing as they headed into the break.
Bayern Munich capitalized on their lead early in the second half. Just four minutes after the restart, Harry Kane doubled their advantage with a precise volley at the back post, marking his 29th goal of the season for club and country. Kane reflected on the victory, saying:
"Whenever you win a game like this, you're always pleased because it's not an easy place to come." – Harry Kane
Despite being two goals down, Celtic showed resilience and determination. Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his team's late surge, noting their increased pressure in the final 25 minutes of the match. He acknowledged that a lapse in concentration and a moment of magic from Olise were pivotal in the game's outcome.
Celtic's persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Daizen Maeda's header found the back of the net. The goal, scored from close range following a corner, electrified the home crowd and reignited hope for the Glasgow side. Rodgers expressed optimism about the tie, emphasizing that his team is still very much in contention.
Bayern were placed under significant pressure by Celtic towards the end of the match. Kane admitted that they had to remain strong amidst Celtic's relentless attacks:
"They put us under pressure at the end and we had to stay strong, which we did." – Harry Kane
Celtic's performance demonstrated their ability to contend with top European sides, even though their recent away form in Europe has been less than stellar. The team has suffered a heavy defeat at Dortmund, lost at Aston Villa, and managed draws against Dinamo Zagreb and Atalanta.
The second leg in Munich promises to be a challenging encounter for Celtic. Yet, their spirited display at home provides them with a platform to build on. With Bayern Munich seen as "on the ropes" during parts of the match, Celtic will aim to land decisive blows in Germany.
The atmosphere at Celtic Park played a significant role in motivating the home team. Kane acknowledged the impact of the crowd and how it almost led to an early goal for Celtic:
"We knew the atmosphere would help them at the start of the game and they nearly scored after a minute. We had to be patient, we knew we'd have more of the ball. Sometimes you need a bit of special quality to open a game like this up." – Harry Kane
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