Bayern Munich vs Celtic 18/02/2025 Line up, Team news and Prediction

Bayern Munich and Celtic FC are set to face off in the second leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. In the first leg, Bayern secured a 2-1 victory at Celtic Park, with goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane, while Daizen Maeda netted for Celtic.

Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, remains optimistic despite the first-leg deficit, emphasizing his team’s potential to challenge Bayern. He highlighted the importance of strong defensive play and expressed confidence in his players’ ability to create problems for Bayern with their ball control.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich aims to capitalize on their home advantage to secure progression to the next round. Despite recent attacking struggles, the team is focused on delivering a decisive performance to advance in the tournament. With the second leg of Bayern Munich vs. Celtic approaching, both teams are preparing for a decisive battle in the Champions League knockout stage.

Bayern’s Strength at Home

Bayern Munich will be looking to dominate at the Allianz Arena, using their home advantage to control possession and dictate the tempo. Harry Kane remains a key player, having scored in the first leg, while Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané will be vital in creating attacking opportunities.

However, Bayern’s recent inconsistency in front of goal has been a concern. Manager Thomas Tuchel has urged his players to be more clinical in finishing chances, knowing that Celtic’s counterattacks could pose a threat.

Celtic’s Challenge and Tactical Approach

Despite being down 2-1 on aggregate, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic will arrive in Munich with belief in their ability to turn things around. Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, and Daizen Maeda will be key in leading the attack, while Celtic’s defense must stay disciplined against Bayern’s relentless pressure.

Rodgers has stated that his team must strike a balance between attacking and defensive play, recognizing that Bayern will likely dominate possession. If Celtic can capitalize on set pieces and defensive lapses, they have a chance to pull off a surprise result.

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
• Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
• Kickoff Time: Varies by region (check local listings)
• TV Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video (with a free trial option for new subscribers)

Possible Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Manuel Neuer
• DEF: Alphonso Davies, Matthijs de Ligt, Kim Min-jae, Joshua Kimmich
• MID: Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer
• ATT: Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman
• ST: Harry Kane

Celtic (4-3-3)

• GK: Joe Hart
• DEF: Greg Taylor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Alistair Johnston
• MID: Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate
• ATT: Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada

Prediction

Bayern Munich remains the favorite due to their quality, experience, and home advantage. However, Celtic have shown resilience throughout the season and will fight hard to make an impact. If they score early, they could make the game tense for Bayern.

Final prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Celtic (5-2 on aggregate)

This match promises to be a thrilling Champions League encounter. Will Bayern cruise to victory, or can Celtic produce a historic comeback?

Key Battles to Watch

Harry Kane vs. Celtic’s Defense

Kane scored in the first leg and remains Bayern’s biggest goal threat. His ability to hold up play, finish clinically, and create chances makes him a nightmare for defenders. Celtic’s center-backs, Carter-Vickers and Scales, must stay compact and avoid giving Kane space in and around the box. If they can contain him, Celtic’s chances of an upset increase significantly.

Jamal Musiala vs. Callum McGregor

Musiala’s dribbling, creativity, and movement between the lines will test Celtic’s midfield. McGregor, Celtic’s captain, must lead the midfield battle, breaking up play and distributing the ball efficiently to launch counterattacks. If Musiala is allowed too much freedom, he could tear Celtic apart.

Kyogo Furuhashi vs. Bayern’s High Line

Celtic’s best chance of scoring comes from quick counterattacks and exploiting Bayern’s high defensive line. Furuhashi’s pace, movement, and finishing ability could be dangerous if Celtic can play him in behind the Bayern defense. If he finds space, he might punish Bayern and keep Celtic’s dream alive.

Tactical Approaches

Bayern Munich’s Game Plan

• Control possession and force Celtic to defend deep.
• Use Sané, Coman, and Musiala to stretch the defense.
• Look for Kane as the target man inside the box.
• Prevent Celtic from playing quick counterattacks.

Celtic’s Game Plan

• Defend deep and compactly, limiting space for Bayern’s attackers.
• Look for quick transitions through O’Riley and Hatate.
• Use Maeda and Kyogo’s pace to break Bayern’s high line.
• Stay disciplined and avoid conceding early goals.

Fans and Atmosphere

The Allianz Arena is expected to be a sellout, with a fiery atmosphere as Bayern fans push their team toward the quarter-finals. Celtic will have a strong traveling support, with thousands of Hoops fans making the trip to Munich in hopes of a European miracle.

Could Celtic Pull Off an Upset?

It would take a near-perfect performance for Celtic to knock Bayern out, but football has seen bigger surprises. If they score first, defend strongly, and frustrate Bayern, they could force a dramatic finish. However, Bayern’s depth, experience, and home advantage make them the clear favorites.

Historical Context & Previous Meetings

Bayern Munich and Celtic have faced each other multiple times in European competitions, with Bayern historically holding the upper hand. The German giants boast a much stronger squad, greater financial power, and vast Champions League experience, while Celtic, despite their rich history, often struggle against Europe’s elite away from home.

One of their most notable clashes came in the 2017/18 Champions League group stage, where Bayern won 3-0 at home and narrowly edged Celtic 2-1 in Glasgow. This highlights Celtic’s difficulties when playing in Munich, but also shows that they are capable of competing.

For Celtic to pull off an upset, they must defy history and deliver one of their greatest European performances.

What a Celtic Comeback Would Mean

If Celtic were to overturn the 2-1 deficit and knock out Bayern, it would be one of the biggest shocks in modern Champions League history. It would prove that the Scottish champions can compete with Europe’s elite, boost the club’s prestige, and provide massive financial rewards.

For Brendan Rodgers, a victory would cement his legacy at Celtic, while for the players, it could be a career-defining moment.

However, should Bayern win as expected, it would be business as usual for the German side as they continue their pursuit of Champions League glory.

Score Predictions from Pundits

• BT Sport: Bayern 3-1 Celtic (Bayern win 5-2 on aggregate)
• Sky Sports: Bayern 2-0 Celtic (Bayern win 4-1 on aggregate)
• Scottish pundits: Optimistic predictions of a 1-1 draw, but most admit Bayern are likely to progress

Fan Expectations

Celtic must play fearlessly but also remain disciplined if they are to stand a chance. If they concede an early goal, the game could get away from them quickly. But if they score first, the pressure could shift onto Bayern.

For Bayern fans, the expectation is simple: win and move on. Anything less than a convincing victory would raise questions about their ability to compete against the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, or PSG in later rounds.

Kickoff is fast approaching, and all eyes will be on the Allianz Arena to see if Celtic can pull off an upset or if Bayern will once again prove their dominance.

Live Match Updates & Build-Up

As the countdown to kickoff continues, excitement is building among both sets of fans. Thousands of Celtic supporters have made the journey to Munich, determined to cheer on their team despite the odds. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich fans are confident that their side will get the job done at home.

Inside the Allianz Arena, the atmosphere is electric, with Bayern’s famous red and white colors filling the stands. The Celtic supporters, dressed in green and white, are making their presence felt, singing loudly and hoping for a historic night.

Final Thoughts:

This match has all the ingredients for a thrilling Champions League night. Whether Bayern dominates or Celtic fights back, fans can expect excitement, drama, and top-quality football. Celtic must play fearlessly but also remain disciplined if they are to stand a chance. If they concede an early goal, the game could get away from them quickly. But if they score first, the pressure could shift onto Bayern.