Champions League IX: FC Bayern Munich (H)

Champions League IX
FC Bayern Munich (H)
~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~


2017: Callum McGregor scores against Bayern Munich the last time that these sides squared off


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
20.00 GMT

The Champions League returns tomorrow evening, as the Celts face perhaps the toughest test of the season, hosting the German giants, Bayern Munich, with an eye on a place in the Last 16.

After the 5-0 win against Raith Rovers in the Cup at the weekend, and on the back of 6-0 against Dundee in the League just a few days before that, Celtic will need to call upon the confidence from those performances into this fixture, but there is no doubting the the difficulty of the challenge that is before Brendan Rodgers and his side tomorrow evening.

As the underdogs going into this tie, the Bhoys will want - and need - to take advantage of the fact that they are hosting the first leg at Parkhead. Not only are they undefeated against all opposition, including in the Champions League, since December 2023, they have also won their last 10 straight 'home' games across all competitions, since the 1-1 draw with Club Brugge, back in November.

The importance of taking something from this game before they head across to Germany for the return leg is further underlined, given the 'Away' record in the Champions League over the years, as well as Bayern's own imposing home record, at the Allianz Arena.

With the attention of all Europe and a global audience, this is what the Champions League is all about, and for this group of Celts, this is their chance to create their own slice of history as they look to secure the club's first ever win against the German powerhouse.​

November: Nicholas Kuhn scored twice in the 3-1 Champions League win v German side, RB Leipzig

Who are F.C. Bayern Munich?

Founded in 1900, Bayern rose to prominance after winning promotion to the Bundesliga in 1965. Since that time, they have gone on to win 32 of their overall 33 League titles, as well as 19 of their total of 20 German Cups. On top of all of which, they have won the European Cup and it's successor, the Champions League, no less than 6 times.

Currently sitting 8 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, Vincent Kompany's side come into this game on the back of a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen on Friday evening, with English striker Harry Kane scoring twice, both from the penalty spot.

The German side's Champions League form has been a bit erratic however, especially on their travels when they have lost 3 of their 4 'Away' Group Stage games.

One statistic of particular note concerning Bayern should be the importance of first goal scored. Indeed, they have been almost flawless and remain undefeated, winning 23 and drawing just once in the 24 matches across all competitions when they have scored first.

That said, the visitors have only managed to come back to win once in the 8 occasions when they have conceded first. So, if Celtic can get their noses in front on Wednesday, especially at home, it could give the Hoops a real foothold in the tie.


Harry Kane has 28 goals for Bayern this season - including twice v Werder Bremen on Friday

Facts & Stats​

• The Hoops are undefeated at Paradise across all competitions since December 2023 - including winning 20 of the 22 'home' games this season.

• Celtic will be seeking a 5th win in the last 6 'home' Champions League matches

• Bayern have been nearly perfect in converting first goal scored into wins across all competitions this season, while remaining undefeated (W23 D1 L0).

• By contrast, the visitors have only won once this season across all competitions when the opposition have scored first (W1 D2 L5).

Brendan Rodgers faces his biggest test of the season as he prepares for the visit of Bayern this week

Team News

Aside from the continued absence of James Forrest (foot), Brendan Rodgers only other real concern is that of Paulo Bernardo, but the manager revealed that the midfielder was substituted more as a precaution and that he should be in his consideration for this match. Additionally, Jota is now eligible to play in this competition after he missed the trip to Aston Villa, as is the on-loan Jeffrey Schlupp, following his transfer deadline day arrival.

Celtic have also been boosted by the revelation that Daizen Maeda's initial 2 match ban has been successfully reduced on appeal, meaning that the in form Japanese International will also be available for tomorrow's clash.

As for the visitors, Alfonso Davies, Daniel Peretz, Hiroki Ito and Joao Palhinha are all expected to remain sidelined. However Serge Gnarby could return after a minor ailment which ruled him out at the weekend, and reserve goalkeeper, Sven Ulreich is also once again available after being suspended for the previous Champions League match.​

Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)

The 41y.o. Spaniard has referee'd 245 La Liga games in addition to 25 Champions League outings - including the only time that he has officiated the Hoops; the 3-0 'Away' win v Anderlecht in 2017.

VAR: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (ESP)

Overall
M:1 W:1 D:0 L:0



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P:4 W:0 D:1 L:3

v All German Opposition at Celtic Park
P:14 W:5 D:1 L:8

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~ ​

Overall
W W W L W ~ W W W W L​