Harry Kane: A Cornerstone of Bayern’s Revival
England captain Harry Kane has already made an indelible mark on Bayern Munich, scoring 28 goals and providing 10 assists in just 28 appearances this season. His performance is nothing short of spectacular, especially considering it’s his first year with the club. Kane’s prowess was on full display in the recent 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen, where he confidently converted two penalties, further cementing his status as one of the world’s premier strikers. Despite the club’s relatively disappointing season last year, where they failed to secure any silverware for the first time since 2011-12, Kane’s contributions have been a beacon of hope and a driving force behind their current dominance. With the Bavarian giants eight points clear of Bayer Leverkusen in the league and aiming for Champions League glory, Kane’s form is a testament to his adaptability and leadership.
A Familiar Foe: Celtic Park Awaits
This Wednesday, 12 February, Celtic Park in Glasgow will host the Champions League play-off first leg between Celtic and Bayern Munich. For Bayern, this is their third visit to the historic stadium, and under the guidance of Belgium and Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, the six-time European Cup winners are eager to make amends for last season’s trophy drought. Kompany, who took the reins from Burnley in the summer, is determined to guide Bayern back to the pinnacle of European football. The stakes are high, and the club’s "Mia san Mia" ("We are who we are") motto underscores their confident and resilient approach. However, Celtic, led by the experienced Brendan Rodgers, are no pushovers and will be looking to capitalize on Bayern’s recent away struggles.
Bayern’s European Woes: A Mixed Bag
Bayern Munich’s European campaign this season has been a tale of two halves. While they have been dominant at home, their away form has been inconsistent, leading to some stumbles. In their first two away matches during the league phase, they were defeated by Aston Villa and Barcelona, and they also suffered a significant loss to Real Madrid in last season’s semi-final. This trio of consecutive away losses was a rare occurrence for the Bavarian giants, who are accustomed to success in both domestic and European competitions. This uneven performance on the road suggests that Celtic has a fighting chance to secure a positive result in Glasgow. However, the depth and quality of Bayern’s squad mean that even in their less stellar moments, they remain a formidable opponent.
Young Talent and Veteran Experience: Bayern’s Arsenal
Bayern Munich’s squad is a blend of young, rising stars and experienced veterans, each contributing their unique strengths to the team. At 21, Jamal Musiala has already established himself as one of the best young players in the world, and his performance in the Euro 2024 opener, where he scored the second goal in Germany’s 5-1 victory over Scotland, is etched in Scottish football memory. Alongside Musiala, the veteran duo of Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller continue to be crucial to Bayern’s success. Neuer, the 38-year-old goalkeeper, recently signed a new contract, demonstrating the club’s faith in his enduring talent. The attacking line features France internationals Kingsley Coman and Michael Olise, who often vie for starting positions with Germany’s Leroy Sane, creating a formidable front that can wreak havoc on any defense.
The Midfield Maestros
In midfield, Joshua Kimmich and 20-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic form a solid and dynamic partnership. Kimmich, once seen as the natural successor to Philipp Lahm at full-back, has seamlessly transitioned into the role of playmaker, a position he relishes. His ability to orchestrate the game and control the tempo is invaluable to Bayern’s style of play. Pavlovic, a recent breakthrough to the Germany national team, is quickly making a name for himself with his exceptional technical skills and tactical awareness. The duo’s synergy and leadership in the middle of the park will be key to Bayern’s chances of navigating the challenges posed by Celtic and advancing further in the Champions League.
Preparing for the Battle: Pavlovic’s Anticipation
Aleksandar Pavlovic is eagerly anticipating the match at Celtic Park, recognizing the significance of the occasion. "It will be a very crucial, very special week for us," he said following the victory over Werder Bremen. "Everyone is looking forward to the atmosphere in Glasgow." Despite the potential for intimidation, Pavlovic is unfazed by the challenge. His confidence is bolstered by the club’s "Mia san Mia" philosophy, which emphasizes the team’s identity and unity. The young midfielder is also aware of the importance of the upcoming league trip to Leverkusen, which could play a decisive role in their domestic title race. With the support of his teammates and the club’s storied history, Pavlovic is ready to face the roar of the Celtic fans and lead Bayern to another triumph.
