FC Bayern München Vs Celtic

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has called on his squad to approach their crucial Champions League knockout phase play-off against Bayern Munich with confidence and without hesitation. Having fallen to a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Celtic Park, the Scottish champions now face an uphill battle in Germany, but a late goal from Daizen Maeda in the home fixture has kept their hopes alive. Rodgers insists that his players must embrace the challenge and leave everything on the pitch when they take on the German giants at the Allianz Arena.

For Celtic, this encounter marks a significant milestone, as they have reached the knockout rounds of Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 12 years. Rodgers believes this achievement in itself is proof of the progress his squad has made and that the pressure is now firmly on Bayern rather than his own team. With the weight of expectation lying on the shoulders of the six-time European champions, Rodgers wants his players to relish the occasion and play with full commitment, free of fear.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Rodgers emphasized the importance of meeting the challenge head-on. “It is a challenge at this level, no doubt about it. But this is exactly the kind of challenge that we have to embrace,” he stated. “We have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage. Once you reach this point, you want to be testing yourself against the very best, and there is no doubt Bayern Munich are an elite team with world-class players.”

Rodgers also underscored the necessity of playing with the right mentality, stressing that his players should not be burdened by apprehension. “When you play at this level, fear should not be a factor. If you go into the game hesitant or overwhelmed, you’ve already lost. Instead, we need to express ourselves and trust in our abilities,” he explained. “At the end of the day, football is a game. There are far worse things in life than losing a match. The most important thing is that we give everything we have so that, regardless of the result, we walk away without any regrets.”

The Celtic boss exuded confidence in his squad, praising their mental resilience and professional attitude. “This group of players has shown an incredible mentality throughout the competition. Their professionalism and determination have been outstanding. I have no doubt they will go out there and give everything they have,” Rodgers affirmed. “What matters most is that we seize this opportunity and give our absolute best. Regret only comes when you fail to show up, when you leave the game feeling like you could have done more. We have no room for that mindset. This is our moment, and we must take it.”

Acknowledging the magnitude of the task at hand, Rodgers also pointed out that, regardless of the outcome, Celtic’s campaign has been a success. “Even if we don’t progress past this stage, we should take immense pride in what we have accomplished. This season has been an incredible journey for us, and we have demonstrated that we can compete at this level. That was always our aim—to earn respectability in European football again.”

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is preparing his team for what he expects to be a tough battle against a spirited Celtic side. The Belgian coach is fully aware of the challenge that awaits his team, despite Bayern holding a slender advantage from their 2-1 victory in Glasgow. Kompany emphasized that the return leg at the Allianz Arena is of great significance to the entire club, noting that his team must maintain their strong home form to ensure progression to the next stage.

“Tomorrow’s match is crucial for us and the club as a whole,” Kompany said in his pre-match press conference. “We have built a strong record at home, and we must continue that. I have analyzed many of Celtic’s matches, and they have performed very well in the Champions League so far. They are a dangerous side, and we have to be fully prepared.”

Bayern’s victory at Celtic Park gave them a vital edge in the tie, and they followed it up with an important point in a domestic fixture against Bayer Leverkusen. Kompany sees this as an opportunity to build on recent performances and maintain momentum despite a hectic schedule. “Winning in Glasgow and then drawing in Leverkusen has given us a solid foundation. These six days have been incredibly demanding for us, but when you’re getting results, it provides an extra boost of energy. That will be important for us tomorrow,” he added.

Bayern’s last outing in the Bundesliga saw them endure intense pressure from second-placed Leverkusen, but they managed to hold on for a draw, preserving their eight-point lead at the top of the table. Reflecting on the match, Bayern’s young midfield star Jamal Musiala acknowledged that it was a unique challenge for the team. “We had never experienced anything quite like that game against Leverkusen, where we were forced to defend so much,” Musiala admitted. “But it was a valuable experience for us. These are the types of situations that we need to go through if we want to grow as a team.”

Despite not being at their best against Leverkusen, Bayern’s ability to avoid defeat was a positive takeaway for Musiala. “The atmosphere within the squad is very positive. We know we weren’t at our best, but even on a tough day, we managed to come away with a point. That is a sign of a strong team. There are certainly areas where we can improve, but our resilience, fighting spirit, and ability to keep a clean sheet will serve us well in the upcoming games.”

As Bayern gear up for their clash with Celtic, they are well aware that their Scottish opponents will be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses. The Bavarians have been dominant at home, but with Celtic eager to make history, Rodgers’ men will give their all to turn the tie in their favor. While Bayern have the advantage, their recent experiences against high-pressing opposition like Leverkusen have highlighted areas they need to be mindful of against a determined Celtic side.

Celtic’s journey to this stage of the competition has been remarkable, and their fans will be hoping for one more magical performance to defy the odds. Whether or not they can overturn the deficit, the Hoops have already demonstrated that they belong on the biggest stage in European football. Meanwhile, Bayern, with their experience and quality, will look to finish the job and continue their pursuit of Champions League glory. With both teams fired up for the encounter, an electrifying night of football awaits at the Allianz Arena.