FC Bayern Munich secured a crucial 2:1 victory over Celtic Glasgow in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs on February 12, 2025. Michael Olise and Harry Kane scored for Bayern, while Daizen Maeda netted for Celtic late in the match, creating a tense finish. Despite the pressure, Bayern held on for the win, with a second leg scheduled for February 18, where they aim to advance further in the tournament.
FC Bayern Munich’s Narrow Triumph Against Celtic Glasgow
On Wednesday evening, February 12, 2025, FC Bayern Munich achieved a significant step towards the Champions League round of 16 by securing a 2:1 victory over Celtic Glasgow in the first leg of the playoffs. The match, however, ended up being quite tense for the Bavarians.
Michael Olise opened the scoring for Bayern in the 45th minute, and shortly after the second half began, Harry Kane extended the lead. Daizen Maeda scored for Celtic in the 79th minute, which set the stage for a nail-biting finish, but Bayern held on for the win.
Key Moments and Player Reactions
Manuel Neuer, Bayern’s goalkeeper, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting, “Celtic had a long unbeaten streak at home. We played well and dominated the game for extended periods.” His sentiments were echoed by defender Dayot Upamecano, who remarked on the challenge posed by a formidable opponent and vibrant atmosphere.
Coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the strength of Celtic in their home matches, emphasizing the importance of this victory. Sports director Max Eberl also weighed in, describing the match as a tough contest for Bayern.
The game kicked off with high energy, and Bayern initially faced a scare when former player Nicolas Kühn scored just 28 seconds in, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. After this early shock, Bayern began to create chances but struggled to convert, with notable attempts from Kane and Leroy Sané failing to find the net.
Just before halftime, Olise broke the deadlock with a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, giving Bayern a deserved lead. Despite Celtic’s strong duel statistics throughout the match, they failed to compete effectively in crucial moments.
The second goal came from Kane, who found himself unmarked during a corner, leading to a simple volley that put Bayern ahead 2:0. However, Bayern’s complacency allowed Celtic to capitalize, and Maeda’s goal made for a tense finish, as the Scots continued to push for an equalizer.
With the second leg looming, Bayern will need to maintain focus and intensity. The return match at the Allianz Arena is set for Tuesday, February 18, and if they progress, they could face either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next round, with the draws taking place on February 21.