Bayern Munich took a step closer to the Champions League round of 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Celtic in the first leg of their playoff clash. Goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane gave the German giants control, but they had to withstand late pressure from a determined Celtic side, who pulled one back through Daizen Maeda and almost snatched an equalizer in stoppage time.
Olise’s Stunning Strike Puts Bayern in Control
Bayern arrived in Glasgow as strong favorites, but they faced an intense atmosphere at Celtic Park, where the Scottish champions were determined to make a statement. The home side pressed aggressively in the opening stages, forcing Bayern into mistakes and unsettling their usual rhythm.
Despite the early pressure, Bavarians slowly grew into the game, with Harry Kane and Leroy Sané linking up well in attack. Celtic’s defense remained compact, denying the visitors clear-cut chances for most of the first half.
Olise’s golazo
Pavlidis’ dink
Jutglà’s touch and finish
Kane’s volley ⚽Vote for your favourite @Heineken | #UCLGOTD
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2025
As the game neared halftime, it seemed Celtic had done enough to go into the break level, but Bayern’s individual brilliance changed the course of the match.
In the 45th minute, Michael Olise produced a moment of magic. The winger received the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside onto his left foot, and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart with no chance.
The stunning strike silenced the Celtic Park crowd, giving German Giants a crucial lead just before the break.
Harry Kane Doubles Bayern’s Advantage
Bayern wasted no time in the second half, quickly extending their lead just four minutes after the restart.
A well-worked move saw Leroy Sané whip in a dangerous cross to the far post, where Harry Kane was perfectly positioned. The English striker timed his volley perfectly, drilling the ball past Joe Hart to make it 2-0 in the 49th minute.
With Kane’s goal, Bayern looked firmly in control and seemed on course for a comfortable win. The visitors continued to dominate possession, frustrating Celtic and keeping their attacking threats quiet.
Celtic Fight Back as Maeda Sparks Late Drama
Despite Bavarians dominance, Celtic refused to back down. Encouraged by their passionate home supporters, they increased their intensity and began to test Bayern’s defense.
In the 79th minute, Celtic found a breakthrough. A well-delivered corner kick found Daizen Maeda, who rose above the Bayern defenders to head home from close range, bringing the score to 2-1 and reigniting belief among the home fans.
With momentum shifting, Celtic threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Their relentless attacking play pushed Bayern onto the back foot, forcing the German side to defend deep in the closing minutes.
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Neuer’s Heroics Secure Bayern’s Victory
As the game entered stoppage time, Celtic came agonizingly close to a dramatic equalizer. A last-minute cross into the box found Kyogo Furuhashi, whose powerful header seemed destined for the bottom corner.
But Manuel Neuer showed why he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world, diving at full stretch to make a brilliant save, preserving Bayern’s lead and ensuring they took an advantage into the second leg.
Bayern in Strong Position but Not Yet Safe
The 2-1 victory puts Bavarians in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Munich. However, Celtic’s late surge and fighting spirit showed that the tie is far from over.
Bayern will need to remain focused in the second leg, knowing that Celtic are capable of causing problems if given the opportunity. With a place in the Champions League round of 16 on the line, the battle is set for another intense encounter in Germany next week.
