Celtic’s Resilience Against Bayern Munich
In the aftermath of a 2-1 first-leg defeat at Celtic Park on Wednesday, Celtic midfielder Arne Engels remained optimistic about his team’s prospects in the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. Engels, a German international, emphasized the positive aspects of the game and the team’s potential to turn the tide in the away leg on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the Match
Despite the loss, Engels highlighted several encouraging facets of the match. "There are a lot of positive points," he stated. "We just need to keep on believing in ourselves. We’re still in the game and that was the aim." This sentiment reflects Celtic’s determination to stay competitive in the face of one of Europe’s most formidable teams. The Scottish champions demonstrated their capability to hold their own against the German giants, a crucial confidence booster for the upcoming match.
The Path to Success
Engels is confident that Celtic’s recent performance indicates a path to success. "We have shown we can match Bayern and it’s up to us now to go there and believe we can do something. We don’t need to change a lot," he asserted. The midfielder’s words suggest a belief in the team’s current approach and strategy. This confidence is crucial, as it fosters a positive mindset that can translate into tangible results on the pitch.
Continuous Improvement
Celtic’s recent performances indicate a clear trajectory of improvement. "I think we are improving in every aspect," Engels noted. "We can be compact and you saw in the last 20 minutes that we really can hurt them." This observation underscores the team’s adaptability and the potential for breakthrough moments. The final minutes of the match, where Celtic nearly turned the tide, serve as a testament to their resilience and offensive prowess.
A Controversial Moment
One of the more contentious moments of the match came when Engels was challenged by Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano. Engels believed he had a legitimate claim for a penalty, but no foul was awarded. "I felt something on my foot and I thought it was a penalty, but I heard from the guys that he slightly touched it with his toe," he explained. Despite the referee’s initial decision, he was called to review the incident on the monitor but ultimately upheld his original ruling. Engels, while disappointed, maintained his focus on the team’s collective effort. "We had to keep on going," he said, emphasizing the importance of moving past individual setbacks.
Looking Forward
As Celtic prepares to face Bayern Munich on their home turf, the team’s morale remains high. Engels’s optimism and belief in his teammates’ abilities are contagious, fostering a united front. "We just need to go there with the same mindset and believe we can do something," he concluded. The upcoming match is a crucial test of Celtic’s resolve and their capacity to challenge one of the best teams in the world. The entire Celtic squad will be looking to capitalize on the lessons learned and the positive momentum gained from the first leg.
Conclusion
Celtic’s performance in the first leg of their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich has injected a dose of confidence into the team. Despite the narrow defeat, Arne Engels’s words of encouragement and belief in his team’s capabilities are emblematic of Celtic’s resilient spirit. As they head into the away leg, the Scottish champions have a clear mission: to show the world that they can not only match but potentially outperform their formidable opponents. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could redefine Celtic’s place in European football.
