Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Bayern München, under head coach Vincent Kompany, returns to the Allianz Arena with a narrow 2–1 lead from the first leg, thanks to goals from Harry Kane (49') and Michael Olise (45'), while Daizen Maeda (79') gave Celtic hope.

Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, face a daunting task as they search for their first-ever win in Munich. With a high-pressing style and strong wide play evident from the first leg, they will look to exploit any defensive lapses from the German champions.

• Fixture: Bayern Munich vs Celtic
• Date: 18 February 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 CET
• Venue: Fußball Arena München, Munich
• First Leg Result: Bayern München 2–1 Celtic
  

• Matches Played: 5
• Bayern Wins: 4
• Celtic Wins: 0
• Draws: 1
• Goals: Bayern 10 – 3 Celtic
  

• 12 Feb 2025 (1st leg): Celtic 1–2 Bayern (Kane, Olise; Maeda)
• 31 Oct 2017: Celtic 1–2 Bayern
• 18 Oct 2017: Bayern 3–0 Celtic
• 17 Sep 2003: Bayern 2–1 Celtic
• 25 Nov 2003: Celtic 0–0 Bayern
  

• (D) Leverkusen 0-0 Bayer (15 Feb, Bundesliga)
• (W) Celtic 1–2 Bayern (12 Feb, UCL)
• (W) Bayern 3–0 Bremen (7 Feb, Bundesliga)
• (W) Bayern 4–3 Kiel (1 Feb, Bundesliga)
• (W) Bayern 3–1 Slovan Bratislava (29 Jan, UCL)

Form Overview: 4 Wins and 1 Draw – Kompany's Bayern have scored 12 goals in their last 5 matches and are in scintillating form.

• (W) Celtic 3-0 Dundee (15 Feb, Scottish Premiership)
• (L) Celtic 1–2 Bayern (12 Feb, UCL)
• (W) Celtic 5–0 Raith (8 Feb, Scottish Cup)
• (W) Celtic 6–0 Dundee (5 Feb, Scottish Premiership)
• (W) Motherwell 1–3 Celtic (2 Feb, Scottish Premiership)

Form Overview: 4 Wins, 1 Loss – Celtic have been ruthless domestically but vulnerable in Europe, losing back-to-back UCL fixtures.

Strengths:

• Attacking Depth: Substitutes Müller, Gnabry, and Coman provided fresh impetus in the first leg.
• Set-Pieces: Scored from a corner (Olise header).
• Clinical Finishing: Harry Kane’s UCL tally is now 7 goals this season.

Weaknesses:

• Possession Control: Managed only 41% against Celtic’s pressing midfield.
• Wide Defending: Celtic’s wingers completed 4 crosses with 24% accuracy.

Key Players:

• Harry Kane: UCL tally: 7 goals – Clinical in knockout ties.
• Joshua Kimmich: 5 assists in UCL this season – Engine of the team.
• Jamal Musiala: 3 key chances created in the first leg.
  

Strengths:

• Possession Play: Dominated with 59% in the first leg.
• Wide Attacks: Strong performances from Maeda and Jota.
• Pressing Game: Covered more ground (125 km) than Bayern.

Weaknesses:

• Set-Piece Defending: Conceded from a corner (Olise’s header).
• Shot Conversion: Despite 5 shots on target, only 1 goal.

Key Players:

• Daizen Maeda: Scored in the first leg, relentless pressing.
• Kasper Schmeichel: 32 UCL saves – Defensive backbone.
• Jota: 2 assists vs Dundee – Creativity from the flank.
  

• Harry Kane vs Cameron Carter-Vickers: Kane’s aerial threat vs Celtic’s defensive rock.
• Kimmich vs McGregor: Midfield dominance crucial for tempo control.
• Olise vs Taylor: Celtic’s full-back must contain Bayern’s trickery on the right.
  

• Bayern’s Record vs Scottish Clubs: W11 D6 L3 (Unbeaten at home)
• Celtic’s Record vs German Clubs: W5 D5 L21 (No away UCL knockout wins since 1980)
• Bayern have won five of their last six UCL home matches (W5 D1).
• Celtic have lost their last 9 away UCL matches against German opposition.
  

• Bayern’s Home Fortress: Unbeaten in 25 consecutive UCL home matches.
• Celtic’s Defensive Vulnerability: Conceded 13 goals in their last 5 UCL away games.
• Harry Kane’s Form: Scored in 5 consecutive UCL matches
  

Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, enter as clear favourites with their clinical finishing and strong home record. However, Celtic’s ability to control possession and exploit wide areas could create problems if they score early. Expect an open, attacking contest with goals at both ends.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.