Champions League excitement as Bayern face Celtic
Bayern Munich and Celtic are set to face each other in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs, with the first meeting between the pair taking place on February 12 at Celtic Park and the return leg on February 18 at the Allianz Arena. It’s a contest between two huge teams in their own rights, but one that many will expect Bayern to win.
Bayern’s campaign so far
There have been highs and lows in Bayern’s journey to the playoffs. After a strong start, they faced unexpected defeats, including a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Feyenoord. Nevertheless, the Bavarians showcased their quality with victories over Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain, which means they’re still one of the strongest teams in the competition according to UEFA Champions League betting.
Domestically, Bayern, under Vincent Kompany’s management, maintain a lead at the top of the Bundesliga. The squad boasts world-class talents such as Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Jamal Musiala, and this will stand them in good stead against Celtic.
Celtic’s journey to the knockouts
Celtic’s journey to the knockout rounds has required a lot of resilience and notable performances. They kicked off their Champions League campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava. However, they were then soundly beaten 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund, and this posed significant challenges. Character was required, and it was shown as the Hoops went unbeaten in their next five.
Domestically, Celtic are the dominant force in Scottish football and are leading the way in the Premiership after establishing a substantial lead over rivals Rangers. Their home form continues to be impressive, with Celtic fans backing the team in full voice at Celtic Park.
Historical encounters
The upcoming games between Bayern and Celtic will mark the fifth and sixth meetings between the two clubs in the Champions League. Historically, Bayern have come out on top in the four previous meetings, securing three wins and one draw. The two teams last met in the 2017/18 group stage, with Bayern winning 3-0 at home and 2-1 away.
Players to watch
Bayern have the offensive threat to take down any team in the Champions League, including Celtic. Harry Kane, a prolific goalscorer at the top level of the game, spearheads their attack. Joshua Kimmich provides stability and creativity to the Bayern midfield, while Jamal Musiala’s youthful exuberance adds unpredictability in the final third.
For Celtic, the return of Jota, who previously scored 28 goals in 83 games, is a boost to their attacking options. Midfielder Arne Engels, who Celtic signed from Augsburg in the summer, continues to be instrumental in the middle of the park.
While Bayern will be expected to get the better of Celtic over the two legs, the clashes promise to be captivating encounters, with both teams well-supported at home and away from home. With a place in the round of 16 up for grabs, it will be interesting to see how passion plays a role in the overall outcome.
