Bayern Munich booked their spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last 16 in thrilling fashion, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alphonso Davies. The Canadian full-back struck in the 94th minute, canceling out a Nicolas Kühn opener and sealing a dramatic victory that overshadowed a brave Celtic performance.
The Bundesliga giants were far from their best, but as history has often shown, top teams find a way to win. Despite playing with heart and intensity, Celtic exited the competition in the most painful way possible.
Celtic’s Missed Chances Prove Costly
Celtic came into this fixture knowing they had to produce something special to keep their European dreams alive. Brendan Rodgers’ side started with real intent, creating golden opportunities to take the lead in a frantic three-minute spell during the first half.
Former Bayern reserve player Kühn almost opened the scoring after brilliant play from Jota, but Raphaël Guerreiro heroically cleared his effort off the line. Moments later, Kühn delivered a dangerous cross across the Bayern goalmouth, but Daizen Maeda failed to get the crucial touch.
A rattled Bayern struggled to assert dominance, and when Dayot Upamecano gifted Celtic possession in a three-on-two situation, it felt like the perfect moment for the visitors. However, Maeda’s decision to go for goal instead of passing to a better-placed teammate let Bayern off the hook.
Bayern’s Response and Kane’s Frustration
Despite their sluggish start, Bayern showcased glimpses of quality. Michael Olise whipped in a delightful cross to Serge Gnabry early in the game, but Alistair Johnston made a crucial intervention. Just before halftime, Harry Kane almost broke the deadlock, rattling the crossbar with a thunderous strike.
However, Kane’s night ended early as he was substituted at halftime, leaving Bayern light in attack. Nevertheless, the German champions nearly found the breakthrough minutes into the second half, only for Kasper Schmeichel to deny Leon Goretzka with a brilliant save.
Kühn Stuns Bayern Before Davies’ Late Drama
Celtic’s persistence was rewarded when Bayern’s defensive woes were exposed. A comedy of errors from Joshua Kimmich and Kim Min-Jae allowed Kühn to pounce, and he made no mistake, smashing his shot past Manuel Neuer to send the away fans into raptures.
Sensing danger, Vincent Kompany’s men responded with urgency. Schmeichel was forced into action multiple times, pulling off impressive saves to deny Goretzka and Kimmich. But just when it looked like Celtic would force extra time, Alphonso Davies delivered a moment of heartbreak for the visitors.
Schmeichel initially made a brilliant save from a Goretzka header, but Davies reacted quickest, slotting home the rebound in the dying seconds. That last-gasp goal sealed Celtic’s fate, sending them crashing out of the competition despite a resilient display.
What’s Next for Bayern and Celtic?
With this victory, Bayern advanced to the last 16 of the UCL, where they could face Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen or Spanish giants Atlético Madrid in Friday’s draw. However, their performance against Celtic will raise questions about their title credentials.
For Celtic, the loss is gut-wrenching, but their spirited performance in Bavaria will give them confidence moving forward. They may be out of the UCL, but their fighting spirit will be a positive takeaway as they shift their focus to domestic competitions.
Why This Match Matters for Kenyan Fans
Kenyan football enthusiasts who follow European football closely, especially those who love betting on thrilling encounters, were treated to another classic UCL night. Bayern’s dramatic win is a reminder of why the Champions League remains the most unpredictable and exciting football competition.
For fans who enjoy placing bets on high-stakes matches, BangSports remains the best platform for football betting. With competitive odds and exciting offers, Kenyan bettors can always find value in games like this. Whether pre-match predictions or live betting, BangSports provides an unmatched experience for football lovers.
Bayern’s last-minute escape against Celtic was another testament to the unpredictable nature of the UEFA Champions League. In contrast, Celtics leave with their heads held high, and Bayern marches on, eager to chase another European crown. The drama continues, and the excitement is far from over for football fans worldwide!
