Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich: Kane and Olise on target as Die Roten take control of Champions League play-off tie
Celtic experienced their first home loss in any competition since December 2023, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout phase play-off.
The team from Glasgow was participating in their first UCL knockout match in 12 years and aimed to capitalize on the opportunity when Nicolas Kuhn struck a powerful left-footed shot past Manuel Neuer just 25 seconds into the game.
However, the vibrant atmosphere at Celtic Park quickly diminished when Adam Idah was penalized for obstructing Neuer’s line of sight as the ball sailed past the Bayern goalkeeper.
Vincent Kompany’s squad soon found their rhythm, with Kasper Schmeichel being called into action twice in quick succession to thwart attempts from Michael Olise and Harry Kane.
While the pressure was not overwhelming, the Hoops maintained a strong defensive formation against a patient Die Roten side that was searching for an opening.
Kane was actively involved, heading wide from a corner taken by Olise, but it was the French midfielder who ultimately broke the deadlock with virtually the last kick of the first half.
Cutting in from the right flank, Olise unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot that found the back of the net, ending Celtic’s resistance just moments before the half-time whistle.
Kane did not have to wait long to score, doubling Bayern’s advantage just four minutes into the second half with a goal that Celtic’s defenders would prefer to forget.
The prolific striker found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box and executed a brilliant first-time finish past Schmeichel, marking his 29th goal across all competitions this season.
Celtic appeared to have a chance to equalize when referee Jesús Gil Manzano was summoned to the pitchside monitor to review Dayot Upamecano’s challenge on Arne Engels in the penalty area.
However, to Celtic’s dismay, Upamecano was adjudged to have played the ball fairly, and no penalty was awarded.
Rodgers' team advanced with determination, seeking to regain their footing in the match as Daizen Maeda capitalized on a moment of defensive uncertainty, unleashing a shot that traveled across the goal line.
The Japan international successfully reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, demonstrating exceptional awareness by heading the ball into the net from close range after Bayern failed to clear an Engels corner.
As the match approached its conclusion, the momentum appeared to shift in favor of the Scottish champions, with Alistair Johnston forcing Neuer to make an impressive save at his near post.
However, Kompany's squad managed to maintain their slender advantage heading into the second leg next Tuesday, marking their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions. Conversely, this defeat halted Celtic's three-match winning streak, leaving them in need of a remarkable result to advance to the round of 16.
SportsLigue