UCL: Bayern Munich Edge Celtic in Thrilling Champions League Clash

Celtic's Champions League campaign has come to an end, as Bayern Munich secured a narrow victory to progress to the last 16.

Alphonso Davies broke Celtic's hearts with a 94th-minute winner, securing Bayern Munich's passage to the Champions League last 16. The Canadian substitute's dramatic goal canceled out Nicolas Kuhn's strike, overshadowing an impressive Celtic performance.

Celtic had been seeking a historic European victory, and they squandered three golden opportunities to take the lead within a three-minute span in the first half. Kuhn, a former Bayern reserve team player, threatened the hosts first, benefiting from Jota's excellent play, but Raphael Guerreiro cleared his finish off the line.

Alphonso Davies breaks Celtic hearts in Munich ⏱️#UCL pic.twitter.com/3x4tiyUFza

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2025

Moments later, Kühn delivered a low cross across the goalmouth, but Daizen Maeda failed to capitalize, unable to get his feet in order. Bayern were rattled, particularly when Dayot Upamecano gave possession away while trying to play out from the back, but the visitors wasted a promising three-on-two situation as Maeda opted to shoot early instead of feeding one of his supporting teammates.

Despite being largely outplayed and lackluster, Bayern showed flashes of quality that nearly yielded the opening goal, which would have likely sealed their progress to the next round. However, it was Davies who ultimately proved decisive, scoring the winner in the dying moments of the match.

Bayern Munich threatened early on, with Michael Olise delivering a precise cross to the back post that found Serge Gnabry. However, Alistair Johnston demonstrated his defensive prowess by scrambling across the area to deny Gnabry a clear scoring opportunity.

Bayern leave it late 🤯#UCL pic.twitter.com/VsM0O5XWQ3

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2025

Just as it seemed Celtic would reach halftime unscathed, Harry Kane unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area that crashed against the crossbar. This close call served as a stark reminder to Brendan Rodgers' team that even a below-par Bayern Munich side posed a constant threat, capable of punishing Celtic's defense at any moment.

Harry Kane's involvement in the game came to an abrupt end as he was substituted at halftime. Despite being depleted up front, Bayern Munich created a promising opportunity just two minutes into the second half. However, Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial save, sprinting off his line to deny Leon Goretzka.

Bayern Munich's vulnerability in defense proved costly, as they conceded the opening goal. Joshua Kimmich and Kim Min-Jae both failed to clear the ball, allowing Nicolas Kühn to seize the opportunity and score past Manuel Neuer, leveling the tie.

After falling behind, Vincent Kompany's Celtic rallied, pushing Bayern Munich's defense to the limit. Kasper Schmeichel was forced to make several impressive saves, notably denying Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich to keep his team in the contest.

As the match seemed destined for extra-time, Alphonso Davies struck in the dying moments, scrambling home a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel's outstanding save from Leon Goretzka's header. This late goal sealed Celtic's fate, eliminating them from the Champions League despite their valiant effort in Bavaria.

The victory sets up a potentially intriguing tie for Bayern Munich in the last 16. They will discover their next opponents in Friday's draw, with either Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid awaiting them.