Celtic suffered a heartbreaking aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in extra-time after a valiant performance in the Champions League knockout play-offs.
Nicolas Kuhn’s second-half goal had brought the tie level at a stunned Allianz Arena as the tie was brought to 2-2 following a 2-1 win for Bayern at Celtic Park last week.
But after frustrating their much-fancied hosts for much of the encounter, Alfonso Davies bundled in a goal for Bayern in the fourth minute of stoppage time to equalise on the night and win the tie.
Heartbreak for Celtic
Bayern looked to assert their dominance early on with Michael Olise causing particular issues down the right-hand side. An early cross almost allowed Serge Gnabry to head in from a tight angle before hitting another just too long.
Celtic looked happy to pick their moments and one came after six minutes as Callum McGregor picked the pocket of a Bayern defender but he could not keep his shot down in what a decent chance for the skipper.
The visitors then spurned two huge chances to level the tie as a smart move found Nicholas Kuhn with acres of space but his effort was cleared off the line.
Moments later, Daizen Maeda couldn’t find a touch to finish off a cross before Maeda missed the target after catching Manuel Neuer off his line.
Late in the half, Bayern had an effort whistle just past the post before Harry Kane struck the bar but the two sides went in level and the hosts frustrated by their underdog visitors.
Kasper Schmeichel made a huge save early in the second half to deny Leon Goretzka, with the hosts once again denied the chance to move the tie out of Celtic’s reach.
But with an hour on the clock, the Allianz Arena was silenced when Maeda won the ball high up again before feeding Kuhn, who skipped past Kim Minjae and slotted the ball in to the jubilation of Celtic’s bench and the away supporter section.
Kuhn 1-0 pic.twitter.com/n5sWyjRn4F
— goalsbyceltic (@goalsbyceltic) February 18, 2025
Substitute Leroy Sane went close after a lovely combination with Jamal Musiala but the Bayern winger’s shot flew past the post much to the relief of Schmeichel.
Bayern continued to push but showed no signs of breaking through a stubborn Celtic defence as the Scottish side looked like they would deservedly take the game to extra-time.
But the six-time winners finally made the breakthrough at the death as Davies bundled in an equaliser after Schmeichel had parried a Goretzka shot.
Heartbreak for Celtic 💔
Bayern win the tie in injury time to progress in the Champions League! ⏳ pic.twitter.com/UM8UrA1xpm
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2025
