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Celtic’s valiant effort in the Champions League came to a heartbreaking end as Bayern Munich scored a stinging equalizer in stoppage time to progress to the last 16. Brendan Rodgers’ side had taken the lead in the second half through Nicolas Kuhn’s clinical finish, but Alphonso Davies’ late strike sent the Bavarians through on aggregate.
The Hoops had started brightly, with Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Kuhn all going close in the opening exchanges. McGregor sliced a shot over the bar, while Kuhn’s effort was cleared off the line by Raphael Guerreiro. Maeda also sent a shot surprisingly wide from the edge of the box.
However, Bayern gradually gained control, with Harry Kane forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a smart save before crashing a shot off the bar just before halftime. The England captain’s powerful effort had Schmeichel beaten, but the ball bounced off the woodwork to safety.
The second half saw Celtic grow into the game, and they took the lead when Kuhn pounced on a misplaced pass and slotted past Manuel Neuer. The goal sure sparked a frenetic period of pressure from Bayern, but Celtic’s defense held firm until the dying seconds.
Davies’ equalizer late into stoppage time came from a Leroy Sane cross, which Leon Goretzka met with a diving header. Schmeichel made an incredible save to deny Goretzka, but Davies was on hand to convert the rebound and send Bayern into the next round.
The defeat sadly means a cruel end to Celtic’s Champions League campaign, while Bayern Munich progresses to face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16. Rodgers will be proud of his side’s bravery and determination, but ultimately, it was Bayern’s quality that told.
The match was nothing short of a thrilling spectacle, with both sides creating numerous chances. Celtic’s profligacy in front of goal eventually proved costly, as Bayern’s relentless pressure brought them the win. Davies’ late strike sent the Bayern watching fans into raptures, while Celtic’s players were left to ponder what might have been.
Rodgers’ side’s determination was not enough to overcome the might of Bayern Munich as the Hoops will now focus on their league campaign, while Bayern looks forward to the next round of the Champions League.
