Celts Battle Bayern All the Way in UCL Clash at Paradise

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·13 février 2025

Celts Battle Bayern All the Way in UCL Clash at Paradise

Celtic produced an encouraging performance against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off, but the German giants will take a 2-1 advantage into next week’s return leg at the Allianz Arena.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores against Bayern Munich in the Champions League match on February 12, 2025. Photo IMAGO.

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This display mirrored past European nights at Celtic Park, where the Hoops have shown they can go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite. Under Ange Postecoglou, Celtic’s home clash against Real Madrid showcased their intensity, delivering a scintillating first-half performance before eventually being overpowered. Last night against Bayern, however, the script was flipped—Bayern controlled the first half, dictating the tempo, but Celtic finished the game in a positive manner. Yet, despite the result, this performance reaffirmed that Celtic belong at this level and strengthens the club’s reputation for the future.

An Incredible Start at Paradise

Celtic Park was at its electrifying best, and within 30 seconds, Nicolas Kühn had the ball in the net—only for the offside flag to cut short the celebrations, leaving Celtic fans in the stadium and around the world in frustration.

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Bayern gradually took control, dictating possession and silencing the early roar of Paradise, showcasing why they are among the elite of world football. Kasper Schmeichel produced some fine saves to keep Celtic in the game, but as has so often been the case on these big European nights, the resistance was broken mere seconds before half-time when Michael Olise fired in from the edge of the area to give Bayern the lead – a simply spectacular finish but one which should have been better defended,

Bayern Extend Their Lead, But Celtic Fight Back

Bayern started the second half strongly and doubled their lead within four minutes, as a 49th-minute corner found Harry Kane unmarked to slot home.

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Celtic responded immediately, with Reo Hatate’s shot blocked and a VAR check for a penalty on Arne Engels controversially going against them. As they grew into the game, Engels began picking out key passes, while Schmeichel once agile proving his talent by denying Serge Gnabry in the 71st minute

Leading the attack after Idah’s substitution, Daizen Maeda showed how valuable and effective he can be on the European front and pounced on a Bayern mistake but regrettably couldn’t convert after rounding Neuer.

Maeda’s Goal Gives Celtic Hope

The Japanese forward wasn’t to be denied, heading home in the 79th minute to set up a thrilling finish. Celtic piled on the pressure, with Alistair Johnston and Hatate going close, but Neuer kept Bayern’s lead intact.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores against Bayern Munich in the Champions League match on February 12, 2025. Photo IMAGO.

Celtic played in their traditional green and white Hoops, with Bayern donning their grey away jersey, as predicted by the Celtic Star. The contrast of colours under the lights of Paradise made for a spectacular setting on a huge European night. Let’s hope next week’s kit prediction will be as successful as the Celtic performance!

Rodgers: “We Belong at This Level”

Brendan Rodgers praised his side’s progress: “We’re here for a purpose, and the purpose was to get to this stage. Bayern are football royalty, but we challenged them. The key is to still be alive in the tie—and we are.”

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Celtic received a major boost with Maeda’s suspension being reduced, allowing him to play. His goal highlighted his importance, taking his season tally to 22. He must surely now be the leading contender for player of the season.

A Performance to Build On

This positive display will certainly have a positive impact for Celtic’s European standing, showing they can compete with the very best. Beyond keeping their Champions League hopes alive, such performances strengthen the club’s ability to attract top young talent. The Hoops have already shown progress this season, and with another big performance in Munich, they could take another step towards establishing themselves among fierce competitors at this level.

Dubai Bhoy

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