Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says his side must be “alive in the tie” after the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Bayern Munich.
The Scottish champions welcome Bayern to Glasgow on Wednesday, before travelling to Munich next week as they attempt to reach the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
The German outfit lead the Bundesliga by eight points and have scored 65 goals in 21 league outings, but had an up-and-down league stage in European competition, losing three of their eight games and finishing outside the top eight.
With the likes of the “world-class” Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala among a star-studded Bayern squad available to manager Vincent Kompany, Rodgers is acutely aware of the task facing his side.
The Northern Irishman is nonetheless bullish about Celtic’s prospects, certainly in front of their own fans.
“Bayern Munich are one of the giants of the European game,” he said. “They really are football royalty in terms of what they’ve achieved over many, many years at this level.
“For us to be in a position where we can challenge them is a great marker for us. I know with our game, all our running power and physicality – which is something we’re really improved on at this level – then anything is possible.
“What is important for us is that we’re very much alive in the tie going over to Germany. We want to go and perform. We’re not frightened to lose. If we can perform well, as we’ve shown in this competition especially at home, hopefully we can get what we deserve.”
‘Bayern stars desperate to make up for lost season’
Published
19 hours ago
Maeda can face Bayern Munich as Celtic win bid to reduce ban
Published
1 day ago
What can Celtic expect from Bayern?
Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,
Jamal Musiala has two goals and four assists in the Champions League this season
Having gone without a trophy last season for the first time in over a decade, Bayern look determined to atone this season under former Manchester City captain Kompany.
They lead the Bundesliga by eight points from defending champions Bayer Leverkusen and have won seven league matches in a row.
Kane has scored 28 goals and contributed a further 10 assists in 28 appearances this season, continuing his prolific form since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
He is supported in attack by the likes of Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise and Leroy Sane, while Germany captain Joshua Kimmich controls proceedings from midfield.
Legendary figures Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller still play prominent roles despite their advancing years.
However, they have shown a weakness on the road in Europe. They lost at Aston Villa, Barcelona and Feyenoord during the league phase, and Celtic will hope to make it another disappointing away trip under the lights at Parkhead.
What they said
Celtic defender Auston Trusty: “For me to have this opportunity to be playing Bayern Munich at Celtic Park with the fans and the amazing environment and all that, it’s what dreams are made of.
“I back this team with everything. When we’re on it and have the right mindset, I would truly back us against anyone.
“We’re at home. There’s no reason to play with fear, there is nothing to lose, we can only gain. If we go out there and do our thing, I truly believe we can get a result that’s in our favour.”
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany: “Both clubs stand very high in the tradition of the Champions League because of the achievements of the past. We’re all here for the next piece of history.
“Anyone that has a deeper understanding of football would understand the home record of Celtic in this competition. It is a fortress. We give it the respect it deserves.
“We also have a team geared to look forward to big games. There’s nobody from our side that will treat this any different to any other top game.”
Team news
Rodgers has a fully-fit squad to choose from, including key centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Influential forward Daizen Maeda is also available after a two-match ban was reduced.
The Japan international was sent off for kicking out at an opponent in the win over Young Boys and missed the following defeat at Aston Villa.
Celtic lodged an appeal against the initial punishment and broke the news of their success on Monday evening.
For Bayern, left-back Alphonso Davies is likely to miss out due to a hamstring injury but midfielder Leon Goretzka returned against Werder Bremen last time out after a spell on the sidelines.
Key stats
Celtic have faced Bayern Munich on four previous occasions, going winless across all four in the group stages of the Champions League (D1 L3).
Bayern Munich are unbeaten in their past 13 matches against Scottish sides in major European competition (W9 D4), with their last such defeat coming against Hearts in the Uefa Cup in February 1989 (0-1).
Celtic have won just one of their 12 Champions League/European Cup clashes with German opposition (D3 L8), although that victory did come in the most recent one, against RB Leipzig in November.
Bayern Munich have lost three of their four away matches in the Champions League this season. Should Celtic earn a victory here, it would be the first time the German side have lost four away games in a single campaign in major European competition.
Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn has created 10 chances following a carry (travelling five or more metres with the ball) in the Champions League this season; the most of any player during the league phase.
Only five midfielders have played every minute for their teams in the Champions League this season (720), two of which play for clubs involved in this game: Callum McGregor for Celtic and Joshua Kimmich for Bayern Munich.
Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.
