- Davies’ late goal saves Bayern from Champions League elimination.
- Celtic Glasgow put up a fierce fight, leading until the final moments.
- Bayern’s star-studded lineup faced unexpected challenges.
- Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel almost pulled off a historic upset.
- Bayern advances to the round of 16 but needs to improve performance.
Davies to the Rescue!
In a nail-biting Champions League playoff match, Bayern Munich narrowly avoided a humiliating exit, all thanks to Alphonso Davies’ dramatic late equalizer. The game ended 1-1 against Celtic Glasgow, securing Bayern’s spot in the round of 16 after their 2-1 victory in the first leg. But let’s be real, it wasn’t pretty.
For almost the entire match, it looked like Celtic was about to pull off a major upset. Nicolas Kühn’s goal in the 63rd minute had put the Scottish side ahead, and with Bayern struggling to find a response, the clock was ticking down to a potential extra time showdown. But then, in the 94th minute, Davies popped up at the right place and the right time.
The Goal That Saved the Day
After the game, Davies admitted to feeling an “incredible relief”. As he said after the game, it was pure instinct that led him to stick his foot out for that all important goal. The Bayern faithful will be hoping that instinct continues to serve them well!
Bayern’s Star-Studded Squad Faces Unexpected Hurdles
Despite boasting a team filled with world-class talent, Bayern struggled to break down Celtic’s determined defense. Players like Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry, and Michael Olise found it tough to make their mark, as Celtic’s tactical set up kept Bayern’s attacking threat to a minimum for long periods.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, for the first time this season, had a full squad at his disposal. However, even with the likes of Alphonso Davies, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller on the bench, Bayern couldn’t find a way to dominate the game. This raises questions about the team’s overall performance and their ability to perform under pressure.
Celtic’s Missed Chances and Bayern’s Defensive Lapses
Celtic’s near-triumph was partly due to Bayern’s own sloppy play. The German giants were uncharacteristically sloppy, gifting Celtic several opportunities to score. Callum McGregor missed a golden chance early on, and Nicolas Kühn was denied by a goal-line clearance. Upamecano in particular had a game to forget.
These mistakes could have cost Bayern dearly, highlighting the need for a more focused and disciplined approach in future games. If Bayern want to go deep into the Champions League, a repeat performance is out of the question.
Schmeichel’s Heroics Almost Steal the Show
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel put in an outstanding performance, making several crucial saves to keep Bayern at bay. His heroics nearly secured a famous victory for Celtic, but Davies’ late goal shattered their dreams.
What’s Next for Bayern?
While Bayern managed to scrape through to the next round, they need to address their performance issues. They face Eintracht Frankfurt in their next Bundesliga match, and they’ll need to be much sharper if they want to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Can Bayern turn things around and make a serious run in the Champions League? Or will their struggles continue, leading to more nail-biting finishes?