It’s a game that has got everyone talking after Celtic pushed Bayern Munich all the way in the Champions League knockout stage.
Things appeared to have taken a turn for Brendan Rodgers side at Celtic Park after Michael Olise and Harry Kane led the side into a 2-0 lead to silence the raucous atmosphere in Glasgow’s east end. But the Celtic fans could only be kept quiet by the Bundesliga giants for so long – and when Daizen Maeda found the net it sparked wild scenes as the Scottish Premiership leaders gave themselves a lifeline in the two-legged showdown.
In the final stages Celtic were relentless and were left frustrated that they couldn’t find a way beyond Manuel Neuer again before the end of the blockbuster clash – but the Hoops go to the Allianz Arena with renewed hope that they can stun the Bungesliga giants and progress in Europe’s elite competition. But how did the pundits see it? Record Sport takes a look.
Chris Sutton
“Brendan Rodgers in his first spell at Celtic was criticised for being too gung-ho. It was more of a measured approach. I don’t mind the way that Celtic played at all. I don’t understand why the one player who was left alone in the box was Harry Kane. It’s a smart finish but Celtic got what they deserved there. Celtic have given themselves a chance. At 2-0 I thought it was over but Celtic can take confidence from how they finished the game and will be disappointed they didn’t get an equaliser.”
Guillem Balague
“He (Harry Kane) is the invisible man. He just walks around the box. That comes off the back of thinking, and that is how he has managed to get the best out of what he has got here. But that is how he has managed to get these amazing stats.”
Nedum Onuoha
“(The goal) makes such a big difference. It gives them a bit of hope. The energy is high and the fans are believing – and those players know themselves that they have gone toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich. Next time they won’t be scared in the first half.”
Gabby Agbonlahor
“There was a lot of passion and running. But I thought Celtic gave every fan a lot to be proud of. What they have to do the basics right. They can’t let Olise get through on his right foot. And the second goal – Harry Kane is on his own.
“Probably the best finished in Europe, and he has been left on his own. Somebody has got to be marking him for that. You look at the two goals, but apart from that there are a lot of positives for Celtic. But they need more belief from the front players.
Alan Brazil
“One of my pal’s text me to ask ‘where do Celtic go from here?’ – they’ve got to go to Munich and not conceded for 20 minutes. If they hang in there, frustrate, close and press and work so hard – you don’t know. Still in it. Keep it tight and we’re still in it. I don’t really want to make excuses, but money and salaries – Bayern are on a different level.”
Joe Hart
“They finished the game strong and they were in the game throughout. Bayern looked to assert their dominance but they never got away from Celtic. They are going there and they are going to try and do something special.
“People could – and will – get carried away with the way Celtic played for the last 20 minutes. But they can’t go and fly at teams in their own backyard. They potentially can’t start how they finished.”
Glenn Hoddle
“It’s going to be completely the opposite end of the richter scale (in Munich). They are going to have to defend and be compact, and they are only going to get one or two chances – it’s going to be the counter. It’s going to be a tough night but they are still in the hunt.”