Celtic’s crestfallen stars collapsed to the turf in devastation as Alphonso Davies rescued Bayern Munich’s Champions League dreams with the final kick of the ball.
The Hoops were on course to take the European powerhouses into extra-time after Nicolas Kuhn’s second-half opener stunned the Allianz Arena. But the Bundesliga leaders scored a 94th-minute equaliser to brutally edge Brendan Rodgers’ side out 3-2 on aggregate. It was the cruellest of nights for Celtic, who could have found themselves 2-0 up during an outstanding first-half, with Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda and Kuhn all passing up glorious opportunities.
Vincent Kompany’s superstars were rattled, and Celts deservedly took the lead just after the hour mark when Maeda set up Kuhn to break the deadlock on the winger’s return to his old stomping ground. The goal gave Bayern and almighty fright, but sub Davies spared the German heavyweights’ blushes with a scrappy equaliser in the very last attack of the game – leaving the Scottish champions heartbroken.
With a 55th title and world record-extending ninth Treble still up for grabs, Rodgers now faces the challenge of lifting his stars off the floor ahead of Saturday’s trip to Easter Road. And if ever a picture summed up the Hoops’ anguish, it was Reo Hatate at full-time as the tearful playmaker was consoled by Rodgers.
The dejected Japanese midfielder couldn’t hide his emotions as he pulled his shirt over his head and trudged off the park. Compassionate boss Rodgers was quick to comfort the fans’ favourite, giving him a hug and attempting to lift his spirits. Other stars including Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Kasper Schmeichel were also cut-up after being robbed in the final seconds.
But the thousands of Celtic diehards in the top-tier showed their appreciation by applauding their heroes off the park, marking the end of a memorable European journey. Rodgers’ men can certainly hold their heads high.