Bayern Munich’s Uncertain Future in the Champions League
With just over three months to go before the Champions League final in their own backyard, FC Bayern Munich narrowly secured their place in the Round of 16 with a last-gasp equalizer against Celtic Glasgow. Alphonso Davies’ 94th-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw (0-0), adding to their 2-1 victory in Scotland, but their performance left serious doubts about their ability to challenge for the title.
A Troubling Display
After a goalless stalemate in the Bundesliga against Leverkusen, Bayern’s display in Europe’s top competition was a far cry from the form needed to fulfill their "Finale dahoam" dream in the Allianz Arena on May 31st. Without Hinspiel scorer Harry Kane, who was substituted at halftime, Bayern conceded to former Bayern amateur Nicolas Kühn after a massive defensive lapse (63′). It took until the fourth minute of stoppage time for the hosts to avoid extra time, with Davies forcing the ball into the net in front of 75,000 spectators at the final venue.
Early Woes
"We are ready for the game," manager Vincent Kompany had stated ahead of the supposed routine task against the underdogs from Scotland. The Belgian must have been astonished by his team’s carelessness in the opening stages.
Despite being solid defensively in the 0-0 draw at Leverkusen, Bayern made alarming errors at the back, gifting the Scottish champions four clear-cut chances. Callum McGregor fired narrowly over after a Michael Olise mistake (7′), Raphaël Guerreiro cleared a Kühn shot off the line (16′), and Daizen Maeda twice raised the temperature (17, 18′).
Bayern’s Response
Bayern did create some moments of their own. Serge Gnabry headed over (4′) and Kane, who had missed the final training session due to a minor injury, tested the keeper (22′). However, the element of surprise and dynamism was missing from the Munich giants despite dominating possession. Kompany looked on grimly from the sidelines.
A Lethargic Performance
It was a sluggish performance from Bayern against an opponent who had been crushed 7-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the group stage. Even Jamal Musiala, who recently extended his contract until 2030, struggled to make an impact. Only towards the end of the first half did their play improve slightly. Joshua Kimmich narrowly missed the target (38′), and Kane hit the crossbar in the dying seconds (45′).
Second Half Substitute
That was the England captain’s last involvement, as his sore calf flared up. Kane stayed in the dressing room, making way for Kingsley Coman. The Frenchman immediately made an impression, setting up Leon Goretzka. However, the midfielder’s effort was saved by Celtic’s excellent keeper, Kasper Schmeichel.
Defensive Disaster
Bayern continued to dominate without creating much danger. Their lackluster display was punished when their defense completely collapsed. After a Stanisic error and poor positioning from Guerreiro, Maeda released Kühn, who buried the ball past Manuel Neuer with ease.
Kühn, ironically, had once worn the Bayern amateur shirt. It was a bitter moment for the German, who was forced off the field injured soon after.
Nervy Finish
Impatience grew around the stadium. Could Bayern’s dream of a "Finale dahoam" end prematurely? Goretzka (74′), substitute Leroy Sané (76′), and Kimmich (79′) had chances to ease the tension, but they all narrowly missed.
Achtelfinale: A Difficult Challenge Lies Ahead
The Round of 16 draw on Friday will present Bayern with a formidable opponent. The Bavarians will face either Bayern Leverkusen, who knocked them out of the DFB Pokal, or Atlético Madrid in their current state. Based on their playoff performance, they will be underdogs in either matchup.
Bayern’s immediate focus will be on their Bundesliga clash with Union Berlin on Sunday. They need to rediscover their form and regain confidence ahead of the crucial European fixture next month. The "Finale dahoam" dream is still alive, but it hangs in the balance.
