A Chilly Welcome in Munich
The streets of Munich have recently been dusted with a light layer of snow, creating a picturesque scene under the piercing blue skies. From certain vantage points in the city, the majestic Bavarian Alps are visible, their peaks cloaked in a pristine white blanket. This serene backdrop, however, belies the intense and formidable challenge that awaits Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic players when they step onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night. The Allianz Arena, a futuristic stadium on the northern outskirts of Munich that can house 75,000 passionate fans, stands as a monument to European football’s elite.
Bayern’s Grand Legacy
Bayern Munich, often referred to as European football’s ‘royalty,’ has a storied history of success. Their original golden era in the 1970s was defined by the legendary talents of Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller, both of whom were pivotal in West Germany’s World Cup triumph in 1974. Since then, Bayern has continued to dominate, winning three more Champions League titles in 2001, 2013, and 2020. Only Real Madrid and AC Milan have won more. The club’s home record in the Champions League over the past 15 years is a testament to their unparalleled dominance. They have not lost a home match in this competition since 2021, and in recent years, their record in group games at the Allianz Arena is a staggering 32 wins out of 33. This formidable track record makes Bayern Munich one of the most daunting opponents Celtic could face.
The Gruesome History of Scottish Teams in Munich
Munich has been a graveyard for Scottish teams, and the memories of past defeats linger. Last summer, Scotland suffered a brutal 5-1 loss to Germany in the opening game of the Euros at the Allianz Arena, with young Bayern Munich attacker Jamal Musiala delivering a standout performance. Musiala, who played a starring role in that match, is quietly confident about Tuesday’s game. "I had a lot of fun that night. It was one of my favourite games in my career," he said. "We wanted to start the tournament well, knew it wouldn’t be easy. But we eventually found our rhythm and it was great fun. Hopefully it’ll be similar in this game." This sentiment underscores the challenge Celtic face, especially considering that no Scottish team has ever won a competitive match in Munich.
Celtic’s Champions League Journey
Despite the ominous odds, Celtic’s journey in this season’s Champions League has been marked by significant progress. Victories over RB Leipzig and Young Boys, along with draws against Atalanta, Club Brugge, and Dinamo Zagreb, have laid the foundation for the club’s first appearance in the knockout round in over a decade. However, the road ahead is daunting. Celtic’s previous trip to Germany in October, where they were thrashed 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face. Rodgers and his players will need to demonstrate the growth and maturity shown in their recent performances if they are to stand any chance against Bayern Munich.
The Critical Role of Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda, Celtic’s tireless forward, could play a pivotal role in their game plan against Bayern. When he moved from the left flank to a central striker position in the first leg at Celtic Park, his relentless pressing and energy significantly improved the team’s ability to challenge Bayern higher up the pitch. The decision to deploy Maeda centrally is one of the critical choices Rodgers faces. His presence could make a crucial difference in how Celtic approach the match, potentially making life more difficult for Bayern’s defense. In a game where every tactical decision counts, Rodgers will need to leverage Maeda’s strengths to the fullest.
A Season of Progress and the Ultimate Test
While the likelihood of Celtic overturning the 2-1 deficit from the first leg is remote, the success of this European campaign will be measured by their ability to stay in the fight and compete on a high level. The inclusion of players like Maeda and the overall growth of the team offer some hope. Rodgers, ever the realist, acknowledges the challenge ahead. "If Harry doesn’t play, then, of course, it’s a big miss for them. But I’m pretty sure there’s another world-class player that can come in and play. I would expect Harry to play," he said. The pressure is immense, but Celtic have shown resilience and maturity throughout this competition. If Tuesday night is to be their last hurrah in the Champions League this season, a strong and disciplined performance would go a long way in cementing their place as a team that has made significant strides in European football. With those mountains looming in the distance, Celtic are attempting to scale football’s Everest, a daunting task but one that will be remembered for the courage and determination they bring to the field.
