After suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Glasgow, Celtic came close to forcing extra time at the Allianz Arena in Wednesday’s second leg. Nicolas Kuhn’s goal put them ahead, keeping their hopes alive for a historic first knockout-stage victory in the Champions League era. However, their dreams were dashed in the final moments when Alphonso Davies netted a dramatic equalizer.
Despite the heartbreak, Brendan Rodgers' squad can take pride in their valiant performance against one of Europe’s elite teams. With their European journey now over, their full attention shifts back to domestic competition, where they are chasing a record-equalling 55th Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic remain in a commanding position at the top of the league, holding a significant 13-point lead over their closest rivals, Rangers, with just 12 matches left to play—including two crucial Old Firm derbies.
The Hoops have been in outstanding form, winning six of their last seven league fixtures, including three consecutive victories with an impressive aggregate score of 12-1. Additionally, they have secured back-to-back league wins at Hibernian, a venue where they had previously struggled, managing just two wins in 12 visits (D7, L3).
On Saturday noon, Celtic will travel to Easter Road to play Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership in an attempt to swiftly recover from their devastating Champions League loss.
This is the first time the two clubs have faced each other since the Hoops defeated a wasteful Hibs squad 3-0 at Celtic Park on December 7.
Bayern Munich equalized in the 94th minute to deny Celtic a historic triumph in Germany and secure a 3-2 aggregate victory, capping one of Celtic's most memorable Champions League evenings.
James Forrest has resumed training after missing time due to a foot ailment, but Saturday's match could be too soon for the winger. Paulo Bernardo, a Celtic midfielder, is also sidelined with an ankle injury.
Signing in January Nathan Moriah-Welsh could be assigned to start in midfield with Nectarios Triantis since Manneh is banned after being sent off in the last game and Celtic loanee Kwon Hyeok-kyu is against his parent club.
