0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, February 19, 2025
Alphonso Davies' dramatic last-minute equalizer earned Bayern Munich a 3-2 aggregate victory over Celtic in Tuesday's Champions League playoff.
Leading 2-1 from the first leg, Bayern came out with purpose in front of a sellout crowd at the Allianz Arena. Early chances came from Serge Gnabry, whose header from Michael Olise's cross was cleared off the line, and Harry Kane, whose powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Kasper Schmeichel (L), goalkeeper of Celtic FC, defends during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg football match between Bayern Munich and Celtic FC in Munich, Germany, Feb. 18, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Despite Bayern's early dominance, Celtic threatened, with Callum McGregor firing wide after a quick counter. Josip Stanisic cleared Nicolas Kuhn's shot off the line, and Daizen Maeda tested Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer twice.
Leon Goretzka missed a golden chance to open the scoring after half-time, only for Schmeichel to make a fine reflex save. Celtic punished Bayern's missed opportunities on the hour mark. Kim Min-jae's poor clearance allowed Kuhn to break through and slot past Neuer to give Celtic the lead on the night and draw level 2-2 on aggregate
Bayern responded with pressure, as Goretzka's header went narrowly wide and Leroy Sane dragged a shot past the post. Schmeichel was kept busy, denying Joshua Kimmich's deflected effort in the closing stages.
With extra time looming, Bayern equalized in stoppage time to take the aggregate lead. Olise's cross found Goretzka, whose header was parried by Schmeichel into the path of Davies, who slotted home from close range to secure Bayern's place in the next round.
The result sends Bayern through to the last 16, with Celtic eliminated from the competition.
"This is the Champions League. We knew Celtic would challenge us. The scoreline is what it is, but we are just happy to go through. We played well all round and are through to the next round," said Davies.
