Bayern Munich claimed a 2-1 victory over Celtic in Glasgow, while Feyenoord secured a narrow 1-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League play-offs on Wednesday. Benfica and Club Brugge also earned vital away wins, setting up intriguing second-leg matchups next week.
Bayern Munich Cruise in the First Half
Bayern Munich dominated the early stages of their match against Celtic, with a dominant first-half performance. Michael Olise opened the scoring just before halftime, and Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s advantage early in the second half. Kane’s goal, a simple finish from a Joshua Kimmich corner, marked his seventh Champions League goal this season and his 29th goal in 29 games across all competitions.
Despite Bayern’s command, Celtic fought back late in the match. Daizen Maeda pulled one back in the 79th minute following a corner, but it wasn’t enough to level the score. Bayern held on to secure a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg in Munich.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany praised his side’s composure: “It’s only the first half of the game. Overall, it’s a great result,” he said. Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers remained hopeful, recognizing the challenge ahead but noting that a one-goal deficit is surmountable.
Controversy in Bruges
Club Brugge triumphed 2-1 over Atalanta in a match marred by controversy. Brugge opened the scoring with Ferran Jutgla’s 15th-minute goal, and Atalanta responded with an equalizer from Mario Pasalic just before the break. The match seemed headed for a draw, but a last-minute penalty awarded to Brugge after Gustaf Nilsson was caught in the face by Atalanta’s Isak Hien proved decisive. The contact seemed accidental, but after reviewing the footage, the referee upheld the decision, and Nilsson converted the penalty to secure Brugge’s win.
Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere expressed frustration, stating, “I reckon that if you ask 100 people if that was a penalty, all 100 would say no.” Despite the controversy, Brugge took a vital advantage into the second leg.
Feyenoord Edge Milan After Goalkeeping Blunder
In Rotterdam, Feyenoord claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over AC Milan, thanks to a goalkeeping error from Milan’s Mike Maignan. Igor Paixao’s speculative shot from outside the box in the third minute ricocheted off Maignan and into the net, giving Feyenoord the early lead. The match remained tight, but Feyenoord held on to take a one-goal advantage into the return leg at San Siro.
Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber was full of praise for his team: “De Kuip was on it again. We were on it. On to next week.” Feyenoord will be looking to finish the job in Milan.
Benfica’s Pavlidis Strikes Again
Benfica secured a vital 1-0 win over Monaco in France, with Vangelis Pavlidis scoring the only goal of the game early in the second half. Monaco’s chances were further diminished after Moatasem Al-Musrati was sent off in the 52nd minute, leaving the home side with 10 men for most of the second half. Benfica will now look to finish the tie in Lisbon next week.
What’s Next?
- Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Bayern will head into the second leg with a slim 2-1 lead as Celtic face a tough task in Munich next Tuesday.
- Feyenoord vs AC Milan: Feyenoord carry a 1-0 lead to the San Siro, hoping to finish off AC Milan in the second leg.
- Benfica vs Monaco: Benfica lead 1-0 and will aim to seal their spot in the last 16 in the return leg at home.
- Club Brugge vs Atalanta: Brugge lead 2-1 after a controversial penalty, and Atalanta will look to bounce back in the second leg.
Player to Watch: Harry Kane
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane once again delivered when it mattered, scoring his 29th goal in 29 games this season. His composed finish in the second half helped Bayern take control of the tie and keep their momentum going in the Champions League.