Elmatsh | الماتش أكبر موقع إخباري يهتم بكرة القدم
Football fans are eagerly awaiting an exciting clash between Bayern Munich and Celtic this Tuesday evening, in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The visiting team enters the match hoping to recover from their 2-1 defeat in the first leg, while the Bavarian giant aims to seal qualification in front of their fans at the Allianz Arena.
Celtic Seeks a Miracle… Bayern Munich on a Mission to Settle the Tie
Despite the loss in the first leg, Celtic played a strong match, creating several opportunities and scoring a goal that could keep their hopes alive for qualification. Harry Kane and Michael Oliseh scored for Bayern Munich, while Daizen Maeda pulled one back for the Scottish side, keeping the tie open with all possibilities still alive.
Coach Brendan Rodgers is aware of the difficulty of the task but will try to exploit Bayern’s weaknesses, especially after their recent stumble in the German league, drawing 0-0 against Bayer Leverkusen. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich is having an outstanding season, topping the Bundesliga with an 8-point lead over their nearest rivals.
Historic Stats Favor Bayern Munich
Historically, Celtic has never won against Bayern Munich in 5 previous encounters, losing 4 times and drawing once. Their away record in the Champions League is also very poor, failing to win in the last 12 consecutive away matches in the competition.
In contrast, Allianz Arena has been a fortress for Bayern Munich, having not lost a Champions League match at home in the last 20 encounters, winning 16 and drawing 4.
Expected Lineups
Expected Bayern Munich Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defense: Josip Stanišić – Dayot Upamecano – Kim Min-Jae – Raphael Guerreiro
- Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – João Palhinha
- Attack: Michael Oliseh – Jamal Musiala – Kingsley Coman – Harry Kane
Alphonso Davies is absent from the squad due to injury, along with reserve goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
Expected Celtic Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel
- Defense: Alistair Johnston – Cameron Carter-Vickers – Austin Trusty – Greg Taylor
- Midfield: Reo Hatate – Callum McGregor – Arne Engels
- Attack: Daizen Maeda – Adam Idah – Jota
Celtic will be without James Forrest due to injury, and Paulo Bernardo will remain out until mid-March.
How Can Celtic Pull Off a Surprise?
Celtic will rely on counter-attacks using the pace of Maeda and Jota, but their success in achieving a positive result will depend on their defensive solidity against Bayern’s overwhelming attacking power. The German side boasts a potent attacking force led by Harry Kane, supported by the trio of Musiala, Coman, and Oliseh, making Celtic’s defensive task extremely challenging.
Match Date and Broadcast Channels
- Date: Tuesday, 18th February 2025
- Time: 20:45 Mecca time
- Broadcast Channel: beIN SPORTS 2
The match will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS 2, the exclusive broadcaster for the UEFA Champions League in the Middle East and North Africa, allowing viewers to follow the game in full detail and excitement.
So, do you think Celtic can turn the tables on Bayern, or will the German side easily seal qualification? Share your predictions in the comments!
