Celtic and Bayern Munich are set to clash in a thrilling Champions League encounter, with the Scottish giants returning to the knockout stages after more than a decade. The last time Celtic progressed past the group stages was in 2013 under the leadership of Neil Lennon, facing Juventus in the last 16.
Bayern Munich, a formidable opponent, stands in the way of Celtic’s advancement, a team that Brendan Rodgers struggled against during his previous tenure. Both teams are dominant in their respective leagues, with Bayern boasting six European Cup/Champions League titles compared to Celtic’s one.
As the build-up intensifies, Celtic is riding high on a wave of recent victories, including a 5-0 win over Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup. Their prolific goal-scorer, Daizen Maeda, has been instrumental in their success, but will be unavailable for the upcoming match after a red card in their last group game against Aston Villa. However, the Portuguese winger, Jota, is poised to step up in his absence, bringing his own goal-scoring prowess to the team.
Rodgers exudes confidence in his squad’s ability to challenge Bayern Munich, emphasizing their scoring prowess and the electric atmosphere of a home game at Parkhead. With 60,000 fans expected to rally behind the team, Celtic aims to make it a challenging night for the German giants.
Can Celtic Maintain Their Unbeaten Home Record?
One of Celtic’s strengths this season has been their unbeaten run at Parkhead in all competitions. While Bayern Munich poses a formidable challenge, Rodgers believes in the mental toughness of his players and the high confidence within the squad. The home advantage, coupled with the unwavering support of the fans, could prove to be pivotal in Celtic’s quest for victory.
Kompany’s side, coming off a solid win against Werder Bremen, finished above Celtic in their respective leagues. However, their group stage defeats came on the road, hinting at a potential vulnerability away from home. Celtic, on the other hand, faced their defeats away in the group stages but have been formidable at their home ground.
Previous Meetings Between Celtic and Bayern Munich
Rodgers has history with Bayern Munich, having faced them in the group stages of the Champions League back in 2017. The encounters resulted in a 2-1 defeat in Glasgow and a 3-0 loss in Munich. Callum McGregor was the last Celtic player to find the net against Bayern, showcasing the challenge that lies ahead for the current squad.
Sven Ulrich, Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper during those matches, remains with the club but has had limited playing time this season. As Celtic prepares to renew their rivalry with the German giants, memories of past battles linger, fueling the anticipation for an exciting clash under the Parkhead lights.
In conclusion, Celtic’s return to the Champions League knockout stages marks a significant milestone for the club, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter with Bayern Munich. As the teams gear up for battle, the passion of the fans, the tactical acumen of the coaches, and the skill of the players promise an unforgettable night of football. The outcome remains uncertain, but the stage is set for a dramatic showdown between two footballing powerhouses.
