Vincent Kompany praised Bayern Munich’s composure in their 2-1 victory over Celtic in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round on Wednesday. The match took place in front of a raucous 60,000-strong crowd at Celtic Park, where the atmosphere was intense and charged. However, Bayern’s professionalism and focus allowed them to control much of the game despite the intimidating environment.
Dominant First Half
Bayern Munich took the lead just before halftime, with Michael Olise scoring a thunderous drive into the roof of the net from 15 yards. Early in the second half, Harry Kane extended Bayern’s advantage with a close-range volley from a Joshua Kimmich corner. At this stage, Bayern looked completely in control, but as the game wore on, they eased off and allowed Celtic some hope.
Celtic’s Fightback
In the 79th minute, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda scored a header to give his team a glimmer of hope, setting up a tense final stretch. Bayern’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, was called into action late on, making a crucial save from Alistair Johnston to preserve the lead.
Kompany’s Assessment
Despite the late scare, Kompany was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly in managing the explosive atmosphere. “We dealt really well with the atmosphere for long spells before it could go too crazy,” Kompany remarked after the match. He acknowledged the special nature of Celtic Park, where defeats are rare, especially in European competition.
The 2-1 result gives Bayern a strong advantage going into the second leg in Munich on February 18. Kompany was careful not to get ahead of himself, stressing the importance of the upcoming Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen before they turn their attention back to the Champions League.
Rodgers’ Optimism
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was proud of his team’s resilience, especially after their cautious start to the match. He believes that Celtic still have a chance in the tie, with the 2-1 scoreline leaving the door open for an upset in the second leg. Rodgers noted that Bayern were “hanging on” at 2-1 and that his team showed their quality, especially in the final 25 minutes.
“We showed we can play football and be a threat,” Rodgers said. “We’re still right in the tie.” He also admitted that his team had started too passively but took heart from their improved performance after falling behind.
Key Stats
- 2-1 – Bayern Munich’s first-leg victory over Celtic, leaving them with a solid lead ahead of the second leg.
- 33 – The number of home games Celtic had gone without defeat before this loss, a remarkable record.
Player to Watch: Michael Olise
Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise was instrumental in the first half, scoring the opener with a thunderous strike just before halftime. His performance in such a high-pressure environment will be crucial for Bayern as they look to finish the job in the second leg.
What’s Next for Bayern?
After a significant win in Glasgow, Bayern Munich will look to keep their momentum going with a crucial Bundesliga clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Kompany is keen to focus on the domestic match before shifting focus back to Europe for the second leg against Celtic.