BBC and Superscoreboard pundit Marvin Bartley has praised Celtic for their spirited performance against Bayern Munich, admitting he feared the worst when he saw the German side’s starting lineup.
Celtic fell to a 2-1 defeat at Parkhead but pushed Bayern to the limit in the final stages, leaving Bartley impressed with their resilience. Taking to social media after the match, he wrote:
“Celtic gave that a good go TBF! When I saw the Bayern starting team I feared for them and then it was 2-0. Maeda goes up top and then all of a sudden things change. Energy is so infectious! Yang assist too. There is a player in there for sure.”
Game-Changing Substitutions
Celtic struggled in the first half, registering just 35% possession and failing to record a shot on target after Nicolas Kühn’s early goal was ruled out by VAR. Bayern dominated and went in front just before the break through Michael Olise, before Harry Kane doubled the lead early in the second half.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ decision to move Daizen Maeda centrally made a huge difference. The Japanese forward’s relentless energy unsettled Bayern’s backline, and it was his 79th-minute goal that set up a tense finish. Yang, who provided the assist, also caught Bartley’s eye.
A Performance to Build On?
Bartley’s comments reflect what many Celtic fans saw—a slow start but a strong finish, with Bayern forced into time-wasting tactics as they clung onto their lead.
With the second leg in Munich next week, Celtic will hope they can build on their late momentum and take the game to Bayern from the start. Bartley, like many observers, saw enough in that final 25-minute spell to suggest Celtic aren’t out of this tie just yet.
