Bayern Munich Hosts Celtic with Champions League Last 16 Spot on the Line

MUNICH, Germany — Bayern Munich aims to secure its place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 as they host Celtic in the second leg of their play-off tie on Tuesday. The Bavarian giants currently hold a 2-1 advantage following their first leg in Glasgow last week, with kick-off set for 9 p.m. CET at Allianz Arena.

Bayern’s prolific striker, Harry Kane, who found the net in the initial match, is poised to lead the attack again, supported by teammates Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala. Manager Vincent Kompany has opted for a tactical reshuffle, making four changes from the side that drew 0-0 against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Raphael Guerreiro, and Musiala will take the field from the start.

Celtic’s head coach, Brendan Rodgers, has also made adjustments to his lineup after a 3-0 victory over Dundee United. Johnston, Engels, Maeda, and Kühn come in for Ralston, McCowan, Idah, and Yang, all of whom will start on the bench.

Over the course of their history, Celtic has struggled in Germany, failing to secure a win in 15 attempts. They have lost each of their last five visits to German soil and ten of their last 12 matchups in the Champions League knockout stage. However, the Scottish champions are determined to reverse their fortunes.

The upcoming match presents a critical opportunity for both teams. The winner will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid in the last 16, with draw pairings set to take place on February 21 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

“When you play two-legged games, you have to be smart,” said Kane, reflecting on the first leg’s result. “We know we can defend at this level, and we must have the courage to play our game.” His sentiment was echoed by Musiala, who acknowledged the importance of creative play against a strong Celtic defense.

Celtic’s recent performances in the Champions League have revived hope among their supporters, as the club looks to break a 12-year absence from the competition’s knockout stage. The Bhoys can draw inspiration from their domestic success, where they lead the Scottish Premiership by a comfortable margin.

Defensively, Bayern is working diligently ahead of the crucial match. They will aim to minimize errors that allowed Maeda to score late in the first leg, emphasizing the need for tighter control in their defensive third.

Kick-off awaits at 9 p.m. CET, and fans are eager to see if Bayern can secure a spot in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition, or if Celtic can stage a historic comeback in one of football’s toughest arenas.