Bayern Munich Squeezes Past Celtic with Dramatic Last-Minute Goal to Reach Champions League Knockouts
Feb, 19 2025
A Last-Minute Thriller
Bayern Munich narrowly secured their spot in the Champions League Round of 16 after an unforgettable 1-1 draw against Celtic. The aggregate ended 3-2 in favor of Bayern, thanks to Alphonso Davies' heart-stopping goal deep into stoppage time. The match was packed with tension and drama as both teams battled fiercely on the pitch until the very last moment.
Game-Changing Performances
The hero of the night, Alphonso Davies, found the net in the 94th minute, creating a moment that will be remembered by Bayern fans for years. It was Leon Goretzka’s header, initially saved by Celtic’s remarkable goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, that set up the chaotic scramble resulting in Davies' winner.
Schmeichel was indeed the Celtic star of the match, diligently defending his team's chances with multiple significant saves. He notably thwarted a strong shot from Goretzka near the end of the match. His performance kept the pressure on Bayern and gave Celtic hope until the very last minute.
Nicolas Kühn was another standout for Celtic, seizing an opportunity caused by a defensive mishap from Kim Min-Jae to net the opening goal at the 62nd-minute mark. This goal put Celtic in the lead temporarily and had Bayern chasing an equalizer throughout the second half.
Harry Kane, another critical Bayern figure, put forth a strong performance in the first half, hitting the woodwork twice. Unfortunately, an injury forced his early exit from the game during halftime, leaving Bayern fans and players with heightened uncertainty.
Missed Opportunities and Heroic Resilience
The match could have tilted in Celtic’s favor if not for some missed early chances. Daizen Maeda and Callum McGregor had clear opportunities in the opening 20 minutes, which they failed to convert, giving Bayern room to breathe. These missed shots haunted Celtic as Bayern found their rhythm and momentum.
In the end, Bayern’s experience and resilience stole the show, helping them survive a spirited Celtic challenge and advance to the next round. With the Round of 16 draw set for February 21, 2025, Bayern will be looking forward to potentially thrilling matchups as they aim to further their run in Europe’s elite competition. Meanwhile, Celtic leaves with pride intact, knowing they pushed one of Europe’s giants to their limits.