UCL: Kane and Olise Strike as Bayern Munich Edge Celtic in Champions League Play-Off

Bayern Munich secured a crucial 2-1 away win against Celtic in the Champions League play-off, with goals from Olise and Kane giving them a first-leg advantage.

Celtic suffered their first home defeat in any competition since December 2023, falling 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off. This marked Celtic's first UCL knockout tie in 12 years, and they were eager to make a strong impression.

The hosts got off to a blistering start, with Nicolas Kuhn unleashing a powerful left-footed strike past Manuel Neuer just 25 seconds into the match. However, Celtic's jubilation was short-lived, as Adam Idah was penalized for obstructing Neuer's vision as the ball sailed past the Bayern goalkeeper.

Despite the early setback, Vincent Kompany's Celtic side soon regained their composure and began to test the Bayern defense. Kasper Schmeichel was called upon to make two crucial saves in quick succession, denying Michael Olise and Harry Kane as Bayern pushed for an equalizer.

Bayern Munich's pressure on Celtic's defense was deliberate and measured, rather than intense, as the Hoops maintained their defensive solidity. Harry Kane was a focal point of Bayern's attack, heading wide from Michael Olise's corner, but it was Olise who ultimately broke the deadlock in the dying moments of the first half.

Advantage Bayern München 👊#UCL pic.twitter.com/q1ZV1XI287

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2025

Olise's decisive strike came from an unexpected angle, as the French midfielder cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful, unstoppable left-footed drive that sailed past Kasper Schmeichel. This goal, scored mere seconds before the halftime whistle, punctured Celtic's resistance and gave Bayern a crucial advantage.

The second half saw Bayern quickly build on their momentum, with Kane doubling their lead just four minutes after the restart. The prolific striker exploited a lapse in Celtic's defense, finding space unmarked inside the six-yard box before delivering a clinical, first-time finish past Schmeichel. This goal marked Kane's 29th across all competitions this season.

Celtic's hopes of a comeback were momentarily raised when referee Jesús Gil Manzano reviewed Dayot Upamecano's challenge on Arne Engels in the penalty area. However, after consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee deemed Upamecano's tackle to be fair, and Celtic's penalty appeals were denied.

Undeterred, Brendan Rodgers' side continued to push forward in search of a way back into the contest. Daizen Maeda capitalized on some defensive uncertainty, firing a shot across the face of goal. The Japanese international eventually halved the deficit in the 80th minute, showcasing his awareness by nodding the ball home from close range after Bayern failed to clear an Engels corner.

Upamecano 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/PlhZiMVNCg

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2025

As the match entered its closing stages, momentum seemed to be shifting in Celtic's favor. Alistair Johnston forced Manuel Neuer into a fine save at his near post, but Bayern managed to hold on and take a narrow lead into the second leg next Tuesday. This victory marked Bayern's fifth consecutive win across all competitions.

The defeat brings an end to Celtic's three-match winning streak, and they now face a daunting task in the second leg. To progress to the round of 16, Celtic will need to produce one of the most impressive results in the club's history.