BAYERN MUNICH SECURE HARD-FOUGHT 2-1 WIN OVER CELTIC IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGE
Bayern Munich took a significant step towards advancing to the next stage of the Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Celtic at Celtic Park. The match, played in front of a raucous Celtic crowd, saw Bayern take the lead through Michael Olise’s stunning goal in the 45th minute.
Olise’s impressive first touch and left-footed shot from 17 yards out found the top-right corner of the net, leaving Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart with no chance. The goal was a significant blow to Celtic’s hopes of securing a positive result, but they refused to give up.
Bayern doubled their lead in the 49th minute with Harry Kane’s side-volleyed goal from a corner kick. Kane’s clever movement and finishing ability proved too much for the Celtic defense, and Bayern took a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite trailing by two goals, Celtic refused to give up. They pushed hard for a goal and were finally rewarded in the 79th minute through Daizen Maeda’s strike. Maeda’s goal gave Celtic a glimmer of hope, but Bayern held on to secure the win.
The victory gives Bayern a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg in Munich. Celtic will need to overcome the deficit if they hope to advance to the next stage of the competition.
“We’re delighted with the win,” said Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel. “Celtic made it difficult for us, but we showed our quality and determination. We know the job is not done yet, and we’ll need to be focused for the second leg.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was proud of his team’s effort, despite the defeat. “We gave it our all, but Bayern’s quality told in the end,” he said. “We’ll need to regroup and refocus for the second leg. We know it’ll be a tough task, but we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
The second leg of the tie will take place in Munich, where Bayern will look to finish the job and advance to the next stage of the competition. Celtic, on the other hand, will need to produce a remarkable performance to turn the tie around.
Champions League Knockout Round Play Off Results
Club Brugge 2 vs 1 Atalanta
AS Monaco 0 vs 1 Benfica
Celtic 1 vs 2 Bayern Munich
Feyenoord 1 vs 0 AC Milan
