Bayern Munich qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2024/25 Champions League, but the 1-1 draw with Celtic at Allianz Arena was hard to digest. The German side, which generally dictates its law, barely escaped the embarrassment of a loss by scoring a last-minute equalizer. Alphonso Davies came to the rescue, but this qualification was more a reflection of the club's stature than its actual performance on the field.
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A machine with rusty gears
When it comes to Bayern in the Champions League, the expectation is clear, dominance, intensity, and a victory. However, against Celtic, the team oscillated between moments of superiority and alarming disorganization.
Bayern started fast, with chances for Kane, Gnabry, and Goretzka. But the issue wasn't reaching the attack, it was what they did when they got there. The Germans laid siege to the Scottish backline but without precision. Kasper Schmeichel looked like he was in his prime, haunting the hosts with save after save.
Celtic, on the other hand, stayed compact, waiting for their moment. And the moment came. Kühn, as opportunistic as can be, capitalized on a defensive error by Minjae Kim and put the Scots ahead. Allianz Arena fell silent. Bayern, years unbeaten at home in the Champions League, had their statistical superiority mean nothing.
Desperation kicked in from there. Vincent Kompany's team piled on the shots, pushed down the flanks, tried everything, but the scoreboard would not change. Just when the clock was running down and extra time was looming, relief came — Alphonso Davies pounced on a rebound after yet another Schmeichel save and forced the ball across the line. A goal that clinched qualification. But did it clinch the fans' trust?
Kasper Schmeichel and the Scottish wall that nearly created history
If Bayern were struggling, much of it was due to Celtic's obstinacy. And more specifically, to Schmeichel's heroics. The Danish keeper had a night to recall, making crucial saves and frustrating Bayern's offense until the final whistle.
Celtic executed their game plan to perfection, stayed disciplined, and came very close to pulling off one of the most unlikely results of the season. Kühn, aside from his goal, kept Bayern's defense on their toes whenever he had a bit of space. Maeda, as indefatigable as always, ran until he could run no more.
What Celtic lacked was hanging on for a few more seconds. But against a giant like Bayern, even a slight error is costly. And it was.
What does this performance say about Bayern?
Of course, Bayern advanced. But the way it did raises a gigantic red flag. A side that used to own the Champions League, that used to make Allianz Arena an unconquerable fortress, now looks uncertain.
The defense, suspect at times this season, again showed its vulnerability. Minjae Kim, brought in to strengthen the backline, made an error that led to a goal. Up front, for all the chances carved out, the lack of efficiency is a concern. When Harry Kane is not getting it done, Bayern struggles.
And then, of course, there is the real examination, the Round of 16. The draw could pit them against Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid. Two teams who will not be as indulgent as Celtic.
A well-drilled Leverkusen, on the rise under Xabi Alonso, will not pardon mistakes. An Atlético side under Simeone will mercilessly punish a susceptible defense. Bayern need to get their act together. Because if they stage the same performance against Celtic, their Champions League quest might be finished before it even starts.