French Referee Benoît Bastien to Officiate Bayern Munich’s Champions League Match
French referee Benoît Bastien will take charge of FC Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Celtic Glasgow on Tuesday (9 PM / Prime Video). While this will be Bastien’s first time officiating a Bayern match in the Champions League, he is not unfamiliar with Celtic Glasgow. Earlier this season, the 41-year-old referee oversaw the Scottish side’s 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig.
Celtic enter the match looking to build on their momentum following a 3-0 victory over Dundee United in their domestic league, despite suffering a 1-2 defeat to the German record champions in the first leg. Manager Brendan Rodgers remains confident in his team’s abilities despite the challenging task ahead.
"Whatever happens on Tuesday night, the boys can be really proud of what they’ve achieved and take that forward," Rodgers stated. "We always want to keep our bravery, but our humility is important, too. We know the size of the task, but we’ll give it our best shot."
Bastien’s UEFA Experience
Bastien has established himself as a respected referee in European competitions. He has officiated numerous UEFA Champions League matches, including high-profile encounters between Liverpool and Real Madrid in 2022 and Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in 2021.
Bastien’s experience in handling high-pressure games and his ability to maintain control on the pitch have earned him the trust of UEFA. His appointment to this crucial Champions League match demonstrates his standing as one of Europe’s top referees.
Celtic’s Familiarity with Bastien
Celtic’s familiarity with Bastien could potentially play a factor in the match. Having already officiated their victory against RB Leipzig, the Scottish side has some understanding of his officiating style and tendencies.
Bastien is known for his firm but fair approach to the game. He is willing to issue cards when necessary but also allows the players a reasonable amount of physicality. Celtic’s ability to adapt to his refereeing style will be crucial to their chances of success.
Bayern’s Home Advantage
Despite Celtic’s momentum and familiarity with the referee, Bayern Munich possess a formidable home advantage. The Allianz Arena has been a fortress for the German giants in recent times, with Bayern boasting an impressive record in European competition on their home turf.
The Bavarian club’s attacking firepower, led by prolific striker Robert Lewandowski, will be a formidable challenge for Celtic’s defense. Bayern will be eager to put the first-leg deficit behind them and secure a strong result in front of their home crowd.
Intriguing Tactical Battle
The match promises to be a tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles. Bayern Munich favor a dominant, possession-based approach, while Celtic prefer to play on the counterattack and exploit space behind the opposition defense.
Celtic’s ability to disrupt Bayern’s passing and create chances on the break will be crucial to their hopes of causing an upset. However, Bayern’s experience and quality in midfield should prove difficult for the Scottish side to overcome.
Conclusion
The Champions League match between FC Bayern Munich and Celtic Glasgow promises to be a captivating encounter. French referee Benoît Bastien will have a pivotal role to play, bringing his experience and expertise to the occasion. Celtic’s familiarity with Bastien, coupled with their recent form, gives them a glimmer of hope against the German giants. However, Bayern Munich’s home advantage and attacking prowess make them the favorites to secure a favorable result.
