Bayern Munich Snatch Victory Against Celtic in Thrilling Playoff Clash!

Quick Recap:

• Bayern Munich defeated Celtic Glasgow 2-1 in the Champions League playoff first leg.
• Olise and Kane scored for Bayern, while Maeda responded for Celtic.
• Controversial no-call on a potential penalty for Celtic.
• Neuer’s late heroics secured the win for Bayern.

Bayern Munich Secure a Hard-Fought Victory

In a captivating encounter at Celtic Park, Bayern Munich managed to secure a 2-1 victory against a resilient Celtic Glasgow side. The match was filled with drama, controversial decisions, and moments of brilliance, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Early Celtic Scare

The game started with a bang when Nicolas Kühn, a former Bayern player, found the net for Celtic within the first minute. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Adam Idah, who was deemed to have obstructed Manuel Neuer’s view. It was a close call that set the tone for a high-energy match.

Olise’s Wonder Strike

After weathering the early storm, Bayern began to assert their dominance. The breakthrough came just before halftime when Michael Olise unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box, leaving Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with no chance. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.

Kane Extends Bayern’s Lead

Four minutes into the second half, Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s advantage with a clinical volley from close range. The goal came from a Joshua Kimmich corner, and Kane was left unmarked to slot the ball home. It seemed like Bayern were cruising towards a comfortable victory.

Celtic Fight Back

However, Celtic refused to give up and mounted a spirited comeback. In the 79th minute, Daizen Maeda pulled a goal back for the home side after a poorly defended corner. The goal sparked renewed hope among the Celtic supporters, and they pushed for an equalizer.

Controversy Strikes

Celtic were denied a clear penalty when Dayot Upamecano appeared to stamp on Arne Engels’ foot inside the penalty area. The referee initially awarded a free-kick but was then instructed to review the incident on the VAR monitor. Despite replays clearly showing the foul occurred inside the box, the referee astonishingly decided not to award a penalty. This decision left Celtic players and fans furious.

Neuer to the Rescue

In the dying moments of the game, Manuel Neuer produced a stunning reflex save to deny Alistair Johnston and preserve Bayern’s lead. It was a crucial save that ensured Bayern would take a 2-1 advantage back to Munich for the second leg.

Reactions

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, “Celtic are always very strong at home in international games, so this was a really good win for us.” Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano echoed his coach’s sentiments, describing the match as “very, very difficult.”

What’s Next?

The second leg of the playoff will take place at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday. Bayern will be hoping to complete the job and secure their place in the Champions League Round of 16. However, Celtic will be determined to overturn the deficit and cause an upset in Munich.

Potential Opponents

If Bayern Munich qualify for the Round of 16, they could face tough opponents such as Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. The draw for the next round will take place on February 21st.

Match Stats