Bayern Munich embarks on this Tuesday (18) to book their place in the following round of the Champions League. They lead the first leg 2-1, and the Bavarians have home ground advantage to draw and qualify. The German team, unbeaten since January and sitting comfortably atop the Bundesliga, has the situation in their pocket. But Celtic is not ready to give up hope of pulling off an upset.
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Celtic will be conscious that Allianz Arena is no easy hunting ground for teams in desperate need of a turnaround. Bayern have not lost a Champions League home fixture since 2021 and boast an all-around record against their Scottish visitors. Even so, Celtic approach the match in good fettle after claiming four from their last five fixtures. It's an old-fashioned battle of uneven strength, where logic makes one a strong favorite, but soccer has always proved that figures do not win matches.
Bayern is a machine that decides
Bayern Munich is in good shape, ruling the Bundesliga and making its presence felt in the Champions League. The team is unbeaten in six matches and, even when they lose, they know how to get results smartly. A recent goalless draw against Bayer Leverkusen did not disturb their Bundesliga leadership, as they are still eight points ahead at the top. But their performance was not impressive, and they must be on high alert for this crucial encounter.
In the Champions League, Bayern demonstrated their dominance by beating Celtic on the road. Now, with home ground, they have everything in their favor to clinch their qualification. The German side has intimidating statistics — 15 wins and four draws from their last 19 home matches in the competition. Their last defeat at Allianz Arena in the Champions League was three years ago against PSG.
In between, Bayern need a draw. Will they take the cautious way or play their best to go out with a statement win?
Celtic have near-on impossible mission
Celtic has the pitch with full knowledge of what lies ahead. If they are to be qualified directly, they must win by two goals or more. A one goal win takes the game into extra time and even a penalty shoot-out. Unlikely? Possibly. But there are a couple of reasons why the Scots could think otherwise.
They come to the game in good shape, having won four of their previous five matches. To boot, they found a crucial goal during the first leg, keeping alive their hopes of a miracle at Munich. And if soccer adores anything, it's a story of underdogs.
The problem is that history is not with them. Celtic have never beaten Bayern in the Champions League. Bayern have won four out of five meetings between them and Celtic have drawn the other game. And Celtic's away record in the tournament is far from comforting.
If they wish to dream of progression, Celtic will have to produce a nearly flawless performance. There can be no defensive blunders, and they need to make the most of every attacking chance. When facing a Bayern side that hardly ever squanders opportunities, even one misstep could prove terminal.