Celtic defeated by goals on either side of interval but late Maeda effort cuts Bayern’s lead
Undone by goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane in the 45th and 49th minute, a Daizen Maeda header saw Celtic secure a crucial goal to reduce the deficit ahead of their return leg to Munich. A wonder strike from Olise opened to scoring with half-time fast approaching after Dayot Upamecano sent a long ball that ricocheted off Greg Taylor’s leg providing the winger with the opportunity to meld power with finesse and fire into the top corner. Celtic were dealt what seemed a killer blow mere minutes after play had resumed, as one of Europe’s most lethal goal-scorers, Kane, found himself bewilderingly unmarked at the back post during a Joshua Kimmich corner and rifled home his side’s second. Down but not out, Celtic responded through Maeda to lift the supporters off their feet. A flick-on from a corner had found replacement Yang Hyun-Jun who skewed his effort but fortunately Maeda was quickest to it with a thundering header to bring the score back to one. Brendan Rogers’ side had begun brightly but were denied a goal from Nicolas Kuhn after just thirty seconds by a VAR check that judged Adam Idah to have blocked the vision of Manuel Neuer from an offside position. However it was was the visitors who held the lion’ share of possession and opportunities, Auston Trusty forced to throw his body in the way to prevent Kane from getting a shot away in the first-half. In his usual role of live-wire Jamal Musiala continued to make probing runs and was almost rewarded as his one-two set him up for a good opportunity but was let down by his positioning as Celtic saw the ball to safety. Schmeichel was alert and he needed to be, Kane forced a split second save from the Dane, who had no idea that the striker was offside and the striker came agonisingly close meeting a corner at the back post unmarked to hit the side netting, as Celtic failed to heed the warning. Hunting desperately for a way back into the game, Reo Hatate saw his effort blocked by Kimmich after Arne Engels’ low cross did well to find the forward. Tension ramped up in Celtic Park after referee Jesus Gil Manzano was called to the monitor after Upemecano had stepped on Engels’ foot in the box but it dissipated just as quickly with the official denying the home side a spot kick. Substitute Serge Gnabry saw his low driven shot parried by the legs of Schmeichel as Bayern looked to put the game to bed before the return tie in Munich. Asserting their dominance after extended periods of submission, Alistair Johnston forced Neuer into a strong save with a powerful shot but Vincent Kompany’s men secured the important, albeit diminished lead. Line-ups: Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel, Taylor, Trusty (Schlupp 65), Carter-Vickers, Johnston, Hatate, McGregor (c), Engels, Maeda, Idah (Jota 65), Kuhn (Yang Hyun-Jun 77)Unused subs: Bain, Kenny, McCowan, Murray, Nawrocki, Scales, Sinisalo Goals: Olise (45), Kane (49) Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer (c), Raphael Guerreiro (Ito 78), Dier, Upamecano, Laimer, Goretzka, Kimmich, Sane (Sane 65), Musiala (Muller 87), Olise (Gnabry 65), Kane Unused subs: Boey, Buchmann, Kim Min-Jae, Pavlovic, Stanisic, Ulreich, Urbig, Vidovic Goals: Maeda (79) Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano
Celtic Must Stay Alive in the Tie, Says Rodgers, as Bayern Munich Clash Looms
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his side to remain “alive in the tie” as they prepare to host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. With a place in the last 16 at stake, the Scottish champions will welcome the Bundesliga leaders to Glasgow on Wednesday before travelling to Munich next week. A Monumental Challenge for Celtic Bayern Munich arrive at Celtic Park as the dominant force in German football, leading the Bundesliga by eight points and having netted an astonishing 65 goals in 21 league games. However, their European form has been inconsistent, with three defeats in their group stage campaign. Rodgers acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge but remains optimistic about his side’s ability to compete, particularly in front of a passionate Celtic Park crowd. “Bayern Munich are one of the giants of the European game,” Rodgers said. “They really are football royalty in terms of what they’ve achieved over many, many years at this level. For us to be in a position where we can challenge them is a great marker for us.” Bayern’s Firepower and Celtic’s Resilience Celtic will need to be at their very best to contain Bayern’s attacking talents, spearheaded by former Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. The England captain has been in scintillating form, with 28 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season. Alongside him, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Michael Olise add further dynamism to the attack. Despite Bayern’s wealth of talent, Rodgers remains bullish about his team’s chances. “I know with our game, all our running power and physicality – which is something we’ve really improved on at this level – then anything is possible. What is important for us is that we’re very much alive in the tie going over to Germany,” he added. The Atmosphere Factor at Celtic Park Celtic Park has long been regarded as one of the most intimidating stadiums in European football, and defender Auston Trusty believes the fans could play a crucial role in the first leg. “For me to have this opportunity to be playing Bayern Munich at Celtic Park with the fans and the amazing environment and all that, it’s what dreams are made of,” Trusty said. “We’re at home. There’s no reason to play with fear, there is nothing to lose, we can only gain.” Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is well aware of the challenge posed by a trip to Glasgow. “Anyone that has a deeper understanding of football would understand the home record of Celtic in this competition. It is a fortress. We give it the respect it deserves,” Kompany stated. Team News and Key Players Rodgers has the luxury of a fully-fit squad, with key centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers available. Influential forward Daizen Maeda is also in contention after a successful appeal reduced his two-match ban. Bayern, however, could be without key left-back Alphonso Davies, who is struggling with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Leon Goretzka, however, has returned to action and is expected to play. Historical Edge with Bayern, But Home Hope for Celtic Celtic have never beaten Bayern Munich in their previous four meetings in the Champions League (D1 L3). The German side also boasts a dominant record against Scottish teams, having gone unbeaten in their last 13 encounters (W9 D4), with their last defeat coming against Hearts in 1989. However, Bayern have shown vulnerabilities away from home in Europe, losing three of their four away matches in the Champions League this season. If Celtic can secure a win, it would mark the first time Bayern have lost four away games in a single European campaign. Final Thoughts The challenge for Celtic is significant, but with the home crowd behind them and a fully fit squad, Rodgers’ men have a real opportunity to make a statement. The key will be ensuring they head to Munich next week still in the tie. “We’re not frightened to lose. If we can perform well, as we’ve shown in this competition especially at home, hopefully, we can get what we deserve,” Rodgers concluded. With the stage set and expectations high, Celtic must now prove they belong among Europe’s elite.
Tierney signs pre-contract agreement to re-join Celtic from Arsenal
Celtic have confirmed in their interim financial report that Kieran Tierney will return to to the club in July 2025. Tierney rose through the Celtic academy and played 170 games for the club before joining Arsenal in a £25m deal back in 2017. He has since gone on to make 129 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring five goals and adding 13 assists.