It was another Champions League thriller under the Celtic Park lights – but Celtic came up short in the first leg against heavyweights Bayern Munich.
However, the clash has still got the globe talking after Michael Olise and Harry Kane all-but silenced a lively atmosphere in Glasgow’s east end before but Daizen Maeda sparked new life into the clash – and gave the Scottish champions something to take to the Allianz Arena next week.
Bayern dominated possession before Olise cut inside, with a fortunate deflection off Greg Taylor and sent a howitzer of a strike past Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goal. Brendan Rodgers’ side found themselves two behind minutes into the second half, asKane found himself all alone at the back post to cushion a volley past a helpless Schmeichel. The home side rallied and reduced the deficient when Daizen Maeda to head home from six yards – and it’s all for another thriller next week.
But what are the world media saying about the showdown? Record Sport take a look.
Bild (Germany)
The Bavarians silence the noise of hell! The Munich team won the first leg of the Champions League play-off against Celtic 2-1, opening the door to the round of 16. But in Celtic Park, Olise and a corner trick make the frenetic Scots (129 decibels were measured during Kühn’s goal against Leipzig) go completely quiet!
Bayern struggled for a long time, lacking ideas going forward despite having 68 percent possession – and were lucky: After 26 seconds, Kühn made Celtic Park shake and scored what appeared to be the lead. But because Idah was offside when he shot in Neuer’s field of vision, the lightning strike was canceled by the VAR. Maeda’s goal really made things exciting again. Celtic pushed for an equaliser, Bayern were struggling, Neuer had to make a strong save against Johnston. But in the end they managed to hold on to the win.
Curiously, it is Bayern’s first success outside of Germany in this Champions League season. Their only “away victory” was against Donetsk – at Schalke. Before that, there were three bitter defeats at Aston Villa, Barça and Feyenoord. But in Celtic Park, Olise and a corner trick make the frenetic Scots (129 decibels were measured during Kühn’s goal against Leipzig) go completely quiet. Maeda’s goal really made things exciting again. Celtic pushed for an equalizer, Bayern were struggling, Neuer had to make a strong save against Johnston (90th+1). But in the end they managed to hold on to the win.
Sporza (Belgium)
Bayern stumbled at Celtic Park. It would blow up in the Germans’ faces. First Celtic screamed for a penalty, but they got no response. Not much later the Maeda fumbled the connecting goal in the net. They were almost haunted in Celtic Park, where the home team put together a solid final offensive, but Bayern would still pull the 1-2 over the line. Next week Vincent Kompany will finish it off in Munich.
Marca (Spain)
Bayern Munich beat Celtic in the first round. The German giants, who dominated the game, although they suffered a little in the final stretch, demonstrated their status as favourites and beat the Scots on the road with goals from Olise and Kane . Maeda reduced the deficit for the home team in the final stretch. Before, Brendan Rodgers’ team asked for a penalty but, after watching the action on the VAR monitor, Gil Manzano judged that Upamecano touched the ball before stepping on Engels.
It is the fifth consecutive victory for the Bavarians in all competitions. Vincent Kompany’s team, who were destined to be an illustrious member of the ‘top eight’, take an important step towards being able to certify their objective in a week at the Allianz Arena and reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
Kicker (Germany)
The German record champions extended their lead early in the second half. Kane was left completely alone at the far post after a corner kick – and said thank you with a volley to make it 2-0. It was his 19th career goal against Celtic goalkeeper Schmeichel – the Englishman has scored more goals against no other keeper. Shortly afterwards, the Spanish referee team spent several minutes checking a potential penalty scene after Upamecano had hit the ball and then his foot against the ex-Augsburg player Engels.
For a long time, not much happened after that. In the final phase, the game did liven up again because Celtic turned things up a notch. Maeda pushed the ball past the empty Munich goal from a tight angle, but after a set piece, Maeda suddenly headed in the Scots goal. Johnston then came close to equalising with a powerful shot, but Neuer was on the spot . So the narrow away win remained.
L’Equipe (France)
Often in difficulty away from home this season, Bayern won on Celtic’s pitch. Positioned very low, the Scots held on until the 45th and a lightning strike from Michael Olise: found by Dayot Upamecano, the Frenchman successfully hooked Greg Taylor before sending a terrible left shot under the bar. A fifth goal in C1 for him, after his doubles against Zagreb and Donetsk. Harry Kane, author of a shot into the side net and a complicated first period, then widened the gap upon returning from the locker room, with a volley at the far post, receiving a perfect corner from Kimmich. Kasper Schmeichel, who won in front of Olise in the 13th minute, prevented Coman from increasing the score.
Bayern Munich have not lost any of their last 14 matches against Scottish teams in major European competition (10 wins, 4 draws). Their last defeat dates back to February 1989 against Hearts of Midlothian FC in the UEFA Cup (0-1).
GETF (Germany)
In the end, Celtic didn’t find an equaliser but their performance will certainly give them confidence heading to the Allianz Arena next Tuesday. Bayern Munich have only lost once at home all season in competitions, but if Brendan Rodgers side play with their usual ferocious intensity, they can certainly get a result and Bayern will have to be at their best.