Having suffered their first defeat since December 2023 at Celtic Park last night against Bayern Munich, the Hoops’ chances of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League have taken a huge blow with the 2-1 loss.
However, given the unfortunate nature of the defeat—with a goal in the first minute ruled out for an apparent interference from Adam Idah and a questionable call not to award Celtic a penalty in the second half—the Hoops bounced back.
Trailing 2-0 after 50 minutes, Celtic took the game to Bayern, with a Daizen Maeda goal in the 79th minute pushing the team on. Bayern managed to hold on for the win, but given Maeda’s shift to striker and the introduction of Jota and Yang Hyun-jun, some now view Celtic’s chances of progression in the second leg in a more positive light.
Celtic very well could have levelled the tie late in the game when Alistair Johnston saw an effort on goal saved by Manuel Neuer in the 90th minute.
With Football Meets Data reporting that Celtic have a 10% chance of qualifying for the next round, it’s not a bad percentage considering the Hoops go to the Allianz Arena 2-1 down.
Supporters will be happy if Rodgers adopts the approach from the second half, taking the game to Bayern while remaining defensively strong. Daizen Maeda’s consistent pressing against Vincent Kompany’s side disrupted their slow build-up, something they simply weren’t used to, which highlights how world-class Maeda is at shutting down opponents.
It may be harsh on Adam Idah to drop him for the game in Munich, with the Irish striker doing his best to lead the line while holding the ball up and even dropping into Celtic’s half to create a solid block.
However, Maeda’s more energetic approach to the striker role pushed Celtic further up the pitch into Bayern’s half, in what will likely be a lesson learned for Brendan Rodgers.
Snobawz chance in a volcano. But gie it a real go. Gonnie go oot. Rip up tha alliance though.
Nothing tae lose, yaldi time fur a cavalry charge.