Celtic travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich tonight needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the Champions League.
In the first leg of their playoff tie, the Bavarian giants gained a lead through Michael Olise and Harry Kane. However, Daizen Maeda halved the deficit to give Celtic something to fight for tonight.
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany may be without his star forward for tonight’s crucial European clash. Kane didn’t train yesterday, but the decision was a precaution more than a concern. The England captain will be assessed but is still expected to be available.
Joao Palhinha has recovered from the illness that ruled him out of the first leg. Alphonso Davies also participated in training after almost a month out due to a hamstring strain. Daniel Peretz is the only confirmed absentee with a kidney injury.
Brendan Rodgers is almost operating with a fully fit squad with only two players unavailable. The loyal James Forrest is yet to feature this calendar year as he nurses an issue with his foot.
“I have been a part of teams that have done things against the odds so why not” 👀
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on his side’s chances of knocking out Bayern Munich 🟢 pic.twitter.com/Lr6Fd2ckBf
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 18, 2025
Central midfielder Paulo Bernardo was forced off with an ankle injury last week and isn’t expected to return until March.
Bayern vs Celtic – Match preview and team news
Form
Bayern: WWWWD
After winning the first leg against Celtic, Bayern played out a goalless draw with fellow Bundesliga title contenders Bayer Leverkusen.
Vincent Kompany’s side rode their luck away at the BayArena as they only created 0.05 xG compared to Leverkusen’s 2.19 xG.
A point apiece means Bayern remain eight points clear of last season’s champions with 12 games to go.
The Bundesliga leaders have an impeccable home record in the Champions League this season. They have won all four of their matches, scoring 14 goals and only conceding three.
Celtic: WWWLW
Celtic recovered from their European loss by beating Dundee United 3-0 in Glasgow.
Callum McGregor and Jota netted in the first half before Adam Idah sealed the victory in the closing stages.
Another three points for Brendan Rodgers’ team leaves them 16 points clear of fierce rivals Rangers in the title race.
The Hoops are looking to reach the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since the 2012/13 season.
Last Meeting: Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich, Champions League, 12th February 2025
Bayern took a narrow lead back to Germany after winning 2-1 at Celtic Park last Wednesday.
It was a blistering start from the hosts and they had the ball in the net inside the opening 30 seconds.
German forward Nicolas Kuhn cut inside before unleashing a shot that went through Manuel Neuer.
However, the linesman was flagged for an offside infringement by Adam Idah. The striker was impeding the goalkeeper by blocking his view and the goal was chalked off.
Bayern assumed control of the tie after the early reprieve and began to test Kasper Schmeichel.
Michael Olise skilfully evaded Auston Trusty before firing into the Celtic stopper and Harry Kane spurned a glorious opportunity. The 31-year-old was left unmarked and was found by a Jamal Musiala cross but he could only direct a header straight at Schmeichel.
Olise would be the individual to break the deadlock on the stroke of half-time in stunning fashion. The former Crystal Palace winger latched onto Dayot Upamecano’s pass and rifled a finish into the roof of the net.
Vincent Kompany’s side wasted no time doubling their advantage after the interval. Kane was afforded the time and space to acrobatically volley in a Joshua Kimmich cross.
However, Celtic wouldn’t be deterred by the setback and continued to push for a vital goal. Referee Jesus Gil was asked to visit the monitor to assess Upamecano’s challenge on Arne Engels. After a lengthy review, the Spaniard deemed there was no foul.
Daizen Maeda latched into a loose back pass from Raphael Guerreiro but the Japanese international couldn’t squeeze it in from a tight angle.
But the forward wouldn’t be denied again with ten minutes remaining. Bayern failed to clear the danger from a corner which allowed Maeda to nod in from close range to give his side an interest heading into the second leg.
Predicted Lineups
Bayern: Neuer, Laimer, Kim, Dier, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman, Kane
Celtic: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Maeda, Jota.
Who is the referee?
French referee Benoit Bastien will be the match official. Hicham Zakrani and Aurelien Berthomieu will assist him while Jeremie Pignard will be the fourth official. The VAR is Willy Delajod.
What TV channel is Bayern vs Celtic on?
Bayern vs Celtic will be available to watch on Amazon Prime UK.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Allianz Arena will be at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday 18th February 2025.
Bayern vs Celtic Match Odds
Bayern: 1/6
Draw: 8/1
Celtic: 12/1
Read – Every Premier League goalkeeper to assist a goal this season
See more – Five of Celtic’s best Champions League wins
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