Celtic Double Provisions Shock Bayern Munich

GLASGOW, TUESDAY – Celtic certainly has the status of a dark horse in the Champions League knockout phase playoff duel against Bayern Munich. However, Celtic has two assets to make Bayern go home from Celtic Park Stadium, Scotland, Thursday (2/13/2025) at 03.00 WIB, empty-handed and hanging his head dejectedly.

Celtic have never won in their four previous meetings with Bayern in the Champions League. They have suffered three defeats, including a home defeat in the 2017-18 group stage. However, Celtic also held Bayern to a goalless draw in the early stages of the 2003-04 edition.

The history of frustrating Bayern more than two decades ago could be a provision for the team nicknamed "The Hoops" in the first match of the Champions League playoffs this season. The intimidating atmosphere of Celtic Park for the visiting team is a strength for Celtic to present a surprise and open up hopes of qualifying for the last 16.

A total of 60,000 Celtic supporters will start the match by cheering on their favorite team with a banner of support choreography. Then, Celtic supporters are known as one of the supporters who never stop shouting support songs throughout the match.

The performance at Celtic Park was a lifeline for them to break into the Champions League playoffs. Daizen Maeda and his friends bagged three wins and only one draw against the visiting team in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

Celtic hammered Slovan Bratislabva 5-1, then beat RB Leipzig and Young Boys 3-1 and 1-0 respectively. Only Club Brugge could hold Celtic at home with a 1-1 draw.

On the domestic scene, Celtic have also managed to record 13 wins and only two draws at home. Most recently, Celtic crushed Raith Rovers, Saturday (8/2/2025), 5-0 in the fifth round of the Scottish FA Cup.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stressed that his team must maximize the first match at home. He said that Celtic players and all supporters can't wait to face Bayern.

"We've got the chance to play the first game at home, so we'll have 60,000 pumping support on Wednesday night. Every time we play at home we've had the incredible support that has helped us get to this (playoff) stage. We'll give it our all," Rodgers was quoted as saying by the BBC on Monday (10/2/2025).

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany warned his team not to be careless. He has also prepared the Bayern squad to face the huge pressure from Celtic supporters.

"I've known Celtic for a long time. There's always a special atmosphere at their home," Kompany was quoted as saying by Bild.

According to former Celtic and Bayern striker Alan McInally, Celtic Park is always a tough place for visiting teams. Although both teams have unequal quality, McInally continued, the match will be interesting.

"Bayern have the better quality and will probably go through. But it's a risk for Bayern. Celtic have nothing to lose, while Bayern have a lot of pressure because they didn't qualify directly for the last 16. I think Bayern will regret going to Celtic Park," McInally, who won one league title each for Celtic (1985-86) and Bayern (1989-90), told fcbayern.com.

Celtic's second asset to serve up pain for Bayern is the German league's current top-flight record in away games in the Champions League. "Die Roten" have suffered three defeats away from home, then only brought home one win.

Interestingly, one full point collection in an away match did not occur at the opponent's actual home. Bayern defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 at the Veltins Arena which is the stadium of the German League 2 team, Schalke.

The three away games actually ended in negative records. Bayern lost 0-1 to Aston Villa, was crushed 1-4 by Barcelona, and was crushed 0-3 by Feyenoord. Conceding eight goals and only scoring one goal in the three games was the reason Bayern failed to sit in the top eight zone of the Champions League qualifying round.

"Bayern is a massive test for us, a massive challenge. But we will play our best game. We want to make it difficult for every team we face regardless of their top players," Rodgers said.

Ahead of the Bayern clash, Rodgers and Celtic have received some good news. Their appeal to have Maeda's suspension reduced has been granted by UEFA. This means the Japanese forward will be available to play against Bayern.

Maeda is Celtic's top scorer with 21 goals. In the last three games, he has even contributed six goals.

Bayern's defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich said Bayern are determined to get through the four tough games in the remaining month of February with wins. After visiting Celtic, Bayern will play at home to Bayer Leverkusen, the main contenders for the Bundesliga trophy.

Next week, Die Roten will host Celtic in Germany. Then, they will face Eintracht Frankfurt, the third-placed Bundesliga player.

"We will play very crucial matches for our journey this season. We have focused on preparing ourselves for a special week," said Kimmich as reported by the club's website.