Bayern Munich clinched a narrow 2-1 victory against Celtic on February 12, 2025, at Celtic Park, marking a strong start to their UEFA Champions League playoff campaign.
The match kicked off with excitement as Celtic's FW Daizen Maeda and MF Reo Hatate took the field at home, eager to make their mark. Just seconds after the whistle, Celtic's FW Nicolas Gerhardt-Kuhn thought he scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. This early scare didn't dampen Celtic's spirit. Instead, Bayern Munich seized control of the game, displaying solid ball possession.
Bayern's breakthrough came just before halftime. After several attempts to break through Celtic’s defense, including one strong effort from MF Michael Olise saved by GK Kasper Schmeichel, the visitors finally found the net. Olise received the ball on the left side, cut inside, and delivered a powerful left-footed shot to give Bayern the lead at 1-0.
The second half began with Bayern asserting their dominance. Just four minutes after the restart, MF Joshua Kimmich took a corner kick. The ball found FW Harry Kane, who, spot on, volleyed it home with his left foot, extending Bayern's lead to 2-0. This two-goal cushion caused some concern for Celtic, as they struggled to find their rhythm.
Desperately seeking to get back in the game, Celtic finally found their footing with 11 minutes left on the clock. Maeda, ever the tenacious player, reacted quickly to intercept a back pass intended for Bayern’s GK Manuel Neuer. He managed to get the ball and convert it with his right foot, scoring Celtic's first goal, and bringing the score to 2-1.
Though the stadium erupted with renewed hope, Bayern held firm. Finally, after seven minutes of injury time, the final whistle confirmed Bayern's victory. This win gives them an advantage going forward, as they prepare for the second leg to be held at their home ground.
This match was particularly notable for Yoko Ito, who made his official debut for Bayern. After recovering from significant injuries, he’s thankful for the support during his rehabilitation. "I want to thank those who supported me during my six-month rehabilitation. It's another dream from my childhood come true; this is just the beginning at Bayern Munich,” Ito expressed post-match.
The game was not only significant for Bayern but also highlighted Celtic's effort to make their mark on the Champions League stage. Despite the loss, Maeda's performance signifies his growing prowess, as he notched his fourth Champions League goal, becoming the first Japanese player to score four times in the current season. With the second leg approaching, both teams are geared up for another compelling face-off.