Bayern Munich edged closer to Champions League qualification by defeating Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park.
Harry Kane’s second-half volley sealed victory, but Daizen Maeda’s late strike revived Celtic’s hopes for the second leg.
The match ignited immediately when Nicolas Kuhn, a former Bayern reserve, nearly stunned his old club within 30 seconds. Cutting in from the right, he blasted an 18-yard shot, but officials ruled Adam Idah offside, disallowing the goal.
Despite this scare, Bayern swiftly dominated possession, pinning Celtic defensively. Their pressure finally cracked Celtic’s resistance in first-half stoppage time.
Dayot Upamecano sent a diagonal pass to Michael Olise, who dodged Greg Taylor with a lucky bounce before blasting a fierce left-footed strike.
Meanwhile, Everton battled fiercely for a late equalizer against Liverpool. Their persistence paid off in the 98th minute when James Tarkowski hammered a hopeful cross past Alisson. Following a tense VAR review, officials confirmed the goal, igniting euphoria at Goodison Park.
Bayern deservedly broke through, having dominated attacking play.
Celtic’s defense crumbled again four minutes after halftime. Joshua Kimmich floated a deep corner to Harry Kane, who volleyed home unmarked for his 29th seasonal goal—a glaring defensive lapse by Celtic.
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The hosts rallied, though. Reo Hatate squandered a golden chance after Arne Engels’ setup, his tame shot blocked. Moments later, Celtic demanded a penalty when Upamecano tackled Engels, but VAR upheld the referee’s drop-ball decision, angering fans.
Bayern’s Kasper Schmeichel later denied Serge Gnabry’s close-range effort. Yet sloppy Bayern defending nearly gifted Celtic a goal: Maeda pounced on a weak back pass, rounded Neuer, but fired wide.
Celtic finally struck in the 79th minute. Engels’ corner reached Yang Hyun-jun, who volleyed it across goal for Maeda to nod in, reigniting hope.
Chaos followed in Bayern’s box. Hatate and Jeffrey Schlupp saw shots blocked, while Jota skied a late attempt. Alistair Johnston forced a vital Neuer save from Engels’ pass, sealing Bayern’s narrow win.
Despite Celtic’s spirited late surge, Bayern held firm to secure a narrow victory. The result leaves the Scottish champions with an uphill task in Munich next Tuesday but gives them reason to believe they can still mount a challenge in the second leg.
For Bayern, the win showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted vulnerabilities that could be exploited. For Celtic, Maeda’s goal and their late pressure provide a glimmer of optimism as they prepare for what promises to be an intense return fixture.
