Bayern Munich edged past Celtic with a 2-1 victory in a tense Champions League clash in Glasgow.
Despite a resilient display, the Scottish side fell short against the German giants.
As it happened
After roars of awe at the Champions League’s iconic anthem, Celtic Park was well and truly up for a big European night.
Their night seemingly had a dream start, when ex-Bayern player Nicolas Kühn scored within 26 seconds, but VAR ruled it out for offside due to Adam Idah obstructing Manuel Neuer’s vision.
Bayern settled shortly after, dominating possession as Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane began to cause problems for The Hoops.
Ex-Crystal Palace star Olise began to show Celtic Park what he is all about with his flawless twists, turns, and tidy touches. The French international had a close-range effort saved by the experienced Kasper Schmeichel.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Dane between the sticks continued to save Celtic at the back, making key saves to deny former Premier League stars Leroy Sané and Kane.
As Bayern’s pressure built, Celtic’s determination ramped up a notch, closing down the Bavarian side aggressively at every opportunity.
In the 42nd minute, England striker Kane missed a golden opportunity, sending a close-range header onto the side netting of the Celtic goal.
Just before halftime, Bayern’s pressure paid off when Dayot Upamecano’s long ball found the magic feet of Olise. He swiftly cut inside, leaving Greg Taylor bewildered before rifling the ball beyond Schmeichel, ending the half on the worst possible note for the Glaswegians despite their valiant effort.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe away side continued where they left off, doubling their advantage minutes after the restart, when Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint corner routine found Kane’s swinging volley, ruthlessly thumping the ball into the net.
After flying out the blocks and bagging their second, Bayern were in cruise control, and it felt as though a possible onslaught was on its way for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
However, despite the scoreline, Celtic were not done in the tie.
A swift move between ex-Bundesliga man Arne Engles and midfield partner Reo Hatate led to a corner for the Hoops, causing Celtic Park to erupt with a sense of belief.
Shortly after the corner was taken, Engles found himself in the heart of the action again, being tackled clumsily by Upamecano in the box. Despite a lengthy check, VAR did not award a penalty after noticing the French centre-back’s initial touch on the ball.
At the hour mark, Brendan Rodgers and his backroom staff opted to bring on January signings Jeffrey Schlupp and returning hero Jota in the hope of reinforcing their chances of a comeback.
Raphaël Guerreiro caused concern for the Bayern Munich supporters when he sent a loose pass back to Neuer, which allowed Daizen Maeda a tight-angled effort on goal. The Japanese forward led the line admirably for Celtic, pushing high up the pitch and driving his team on.
His hard work was rewarded in the 79th minute when he tumbled in his fourth goal of the competition after a scrappy corner kick routine, giving Celtic a fighting chance in the tie.
Embed from Getty ImagesEvery pass, tackle, or cross was met with roars from the Celtic faithful, and a real sense of belief began to creep in at Parkhead.
A thrashing effort from Canadian full-back Alister Johnston was denied by Neuer at the near post, which prevented the Celtic comeback.
The game finished there, surprisingly with no cards to its name despite its high intensity and drama.
Despite Celtic’s best efforts, Bayern Munich survived, coming out on top and heading back to the Allianz Arena with a one-goal lead.
The teams meet again next week in what will undoubtedly be another dramatic clash between two of Europe’s most iconic and historic clubs.
The lineups
CEL: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engles, McGregor, Hatate; Kühn, Idah, Maeda
BAY: Neuer; Guerreiro, Dier, Upamecano, Laimer; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Sané; Kane