Bayern Munich Secures Crucial Away Win in Glasgow
Bayern Munich secured a vital 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Champions League playoff first leg, thanks to goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane. The match, held at Celtic Park, was a thrilling encounter that saw the German side taking a decisive lead but enduring intense pressure from the hosts in the closing stages.
Early Miss and Late Drama
The match kicked off with both teams showing a high tempo. Celtic had an early scare when Kuhn’s low effort was disallowed for offside in the first minute. Despite this, the Scottish side remained undeterred and controlled the initial exchanges. However, it was Bayern who struck first, with Michael Olise unleashing a stunning shot in the 45th minute, just as the teams were about to head into halftime. Olise’s effort was a beauty, catching Celtic’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel off guard and giving Bayern a 1-0 lead.
Kane’s Clinical Finish and Celtic’s Fightback
The second half started with Bayern doubling their advantage in the 49th minute. A corner from Joshua Kimmich found an unmarked Harry Kane at the far post, and the England captain made no mistake, volleying the ball past Schmeichel. Kane’s goal was a testament to his clinical finishing and Bayern’s pinpoint set-piece execution.
Celtic, though, were not ready to roll over. The home crowd spurred them on, and the momentum shifted as the match progressed. Celtic’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Daizen Maeda nodded in a header from a corner, injecting new life into the contest. The goal ignited the home fans and pushed Celtic to press even harder.
Bayern’s Resilient Defense
As the match entered its final moments, Celtic poured forward with everything they had, creating numerous half-chances and putting Bayern’s defense under immense pressure. Manuel Neuer, Bayern’s stalwart goalkeeper, made a crucial save in stoppage time, ensuring his team held on to their slender lead. The Bayern defense, despite being tested, stood firm, and the final whistle brought a well-deserved victory for the visitors.
Brendan Rodgers’ Reflection on the Match
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed a mix of frustration and determination after the match. He acknowledged that his team was a little too passive at times and needed to be more aggressive. The pivotal moment, he noted, was leaving Kane unmarked, a mistake he labeled as "unforgivable." However, Rodgers remained optimistic about the second leg, emphasizing that Celtic showed they could be a threat and that they still believe in their chances.
Harry Kane’s Post-Match Comments
Harry Kane, the match’s standout performer, was the first to address the media. He praised his team’s performance, calling it a "difficult place to come" but noting that they scored at the right time. Kane acknowledged the pressure Celtic applied in the latter stages but highlighted the team’s patience and possession play. He also commended Michael Olise’s goal, describing it as a moment of special quality.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
The victory gives Bayern a significant advantage heading into the second leg at the Allianz Arena. Celtic, despite the loss, will take heart from their performance and the late goal, which gives them hope of a miraculous comeback. The return leg on Tuesday promises to be another enthralling encounter, with both teams vying for a place in the round of 16.
