Bayern Munich Triumphs in Glasgow, Securing a Promising Position in the Champions League
Celtic Park, Glasgow – Led by goalscorer Harry Kane, Bayern Munich’s stars celebrated in front of their traveling fans at the spirited Celtic Park in Glasgow. The end of their Champions League away woes and the auspicious prospects of advancing to the Round of 16 were met with satisfaction, but not exuberance, by the players of the German record-holding football club.
Durch das 2:1 (1:0) im Playoff-Hinspiel beim schottischen Meister Celtic Glasgow erspielte sich der deutsche Fußball-Rekordmeister beim ersten echten Auswärtserfolg in Europa in dieser Saison eine glänzende Ausgangsposition für das Rückspiel am kommenden Dienstag in München. Should they progress in the Champions League play-off, Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid would be their opponents in the Round of 16 in early March.
Bayern’s Dominant Performance and Deserved Victory
"We deserved it. We gave everything," said Bayern’s formidable defender Dayot Upamecano. "It was a very, very difficult match with a fantastic stadium and a remarkable opponent," he added on the DAZN streaming platform.
After an early scare caused by a disallowed goal due to an offside position by German Celtic player Nicolas Kühn, FC Bayern delivered a prolonged display of dominance in the increasingly charged atmosphere of Celtic Park. Former Premier League players Michael Olise (45′) and Kane (49′) converted Bayern’s supremacy into goals upon their return to the British Isles. Following Daizen Maeda’s goal for Celtic (79′), Bayern faced a tense conclusion to the match. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the defense were frequently called upon.
Bayern’s First Away Win in Europe This Season
Three days before the Bundesliga showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, the victory marked Bayern’s first genuine away triumph in Europe’s elite league this season, following painful defeats at Aston Villa (0:1), FC Barcelona (1:4), and Feyenoord Rotterdam (0:3). The team led by manager Vincent Kompany had only managed an away win in Gelsenkirchen against Shakhtar Donetsk (5:1). Their last away victory in a knockout match dated back two years, until Wednesday evening.
A Match of Thrills and Close Calls
As early as 28 seconds into the match, Bayern experienced a heart-stopping moment when Kühn unleashed a left-footed shot from 18 meters, finding the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out due to offside, as Celtic striker Adam Idah had obstructed Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
If Bayern had not been fully alert before, they certainly were after that. They established a clear edge and at times enjoyed a possession rate of nearly 70 percent. One of the most active players was Olise, who also created the first significant chance (13′).
At times, Bayern pinned the Scottish team into their own half, but dangerous scoring opportunities were scarce despite their dominance. One notable highlight was Leroy Sané (31′) missing the ball in a promising position after a pass from Leon Goretzka. Both had been newly included in the starting lineup after Bayern’s Bundesliga victory against Werder Bremen.
As many anticipated a draw at halftime, Olise (45′) struck with a forceful shot to secure a deserved lead and set a thrilling end to the first half after a spectacular start. Following his braces against Zagreb and Donetsk, the Frenchman celebrated his fifth goal in the Champions League.
Bayern maintained their pressure on the Scottish champions at the beginning of the second half and quickly found success. Kane (49′) scored Bayern’s second goal from a corner, marking his seventh goal in the Champions League this season.
Celtic subsequently made efforts to attack but struggled to generate clear chances. For a long time, Bayern appeared to be in control of the match. However, after Maeda’s goal (79′) from a corner, they endured some tense moments and had to weather some anxious minutes. In stoppage time, Neuer made a superb save to secure the victory after a shot by Alistair Johnston.
