Celtic fell to a 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich at Celtic Park in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie.
The hosts thought they had the perfect start when Nicolas Kuhn’s shot squeezed past Manuel Neuer within 30 seconds, but Adam Idah had strayed offside.
Bayern began to dominate in the opening stages but Celtic defended well, until a lapse in concentration from Alistair Johnston allowed Michael Olise to cut inside and rifle in the opener on the stroke of half-time.
The goal was harsh on a Celtic side who had defended resolutely, but they were 2-0 behind within five minutes of the second half starting as Kane volleyed in unmarked from a corner.
But the hosts didn’t give up hope and continued to press to get back into it, with their efforts rewarded late on as Daizen Maeda nodded in from a corner.
Nevertheless, Celtic couldn’t find that vital second as Bayern closed out the game to take a one-goal lead to the Allianz next week.
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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.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 22:05
FULL-TIME! Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
An enthralling match in Glasgow ends with Bayern earning a 2-1 win and a vital lead to take to Bavaria next week.
It was a deserved win for the visitors, but Celtic will go into the second leg with some confidence after their performance tonight caused the German side problems at times.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 22:02
FULL-TIME! Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
The last seven minutes promised plenty but celtic can’t mount another meaningful attack and the referee brings the game to an end.
The visitors’ dominance paid off and they take a deserved lead to the Allianz next week.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 21:58
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Some great play from Hatate allows Celtic to progress possession, but Engels tries the silly backheel and Bayern have possession.
Time is running out for the hosts.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 21:55
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Bayern are simply trying to take the sting out of the Celtic play now, knocking the ball around in their third and midfield.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 21:53
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Celtic’s corners are causing plenty of problems and there’s pinball in the Bayern box again, but the visitors manage to clear.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 21:51
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
There’ll be SEVEN minutes of added time here.
It begins with a Celtic chance, as they work it forward and Yang slips it forward to Johnston, who forces a good save from Neuer.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 21:50
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Celtic are still pressing for that equaliser but Bayern are showing their experience in possession, recycling it around the back and building patiently.
Chris Wilson12 February 2025 21:47
