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Football fans, brace yourselves! Tonight, at 9:00 PM, Celtic and Bayern Munich are set to clash in a highly anticipated Champions League knockout round. This match is not just another fixture; it's a pivotal moment for both clubs as they vie for European glory.
Match Details
- Date and Time: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 9:00 PM (CET)
- Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow
Broadcast Information
For those not lucky enough to be in the stands, here's how you can catch the action:
TV Channels:
- Cosmote Sport 8 HD
- Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia
- Sport TV5 Portugal
Streaming Options:
- Live updates and commentary will be available on talkSPORT.
Champions League Knockout Stage Context
The knockout round is where the Champions League truly heats up. Teams face off in two-legged ties, with aggregate scores determining who advances. Every goal counts, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Celtic Park: The Fortress
Known for its electric atmosphere, Celtic Park boasts a capacity of 60,000 passionate fans. The home advantage here is palpable, often described as a "cauldron" by visiting teams. Bayern's coach, Vincent Kompany, acknowledged this, stating, "It’ll be very emotional, very loud, with huge support for Celtic. We need to show our qualities on the pitch."
Team Market Values
Financially, there's a significant disparity between the two clubs:
- Celtic: Total market value of €124.15 million
- Bayern Munich: Total market value of €856.00 million
This difference underscores the David vs. Goliath nature of the encounter.
Celtic's Key Players
Celtic's squad features several standout performers:
- Cameron Carter-Vickers: A rock-solid center-back valued at €14 million.
- Daizen Maeda: An influential forward whose suspension was recently reduced, making him available for this crucial tie.
Bayern Munich's Key Players
Bayern's lineup is studded with stars:
- Jamal Musiala: A dynamic attacking midfielder with a market value of €140 million.
- Harry Kane: The prolific striker has been in scintillating form, leading Bayern's attack with aplomb.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, Bayern has had the upper hand in this matchup:
- Total Meetings: 4
- Bayern Wins: 3
- Draws: 1
- Celtic Wins: 0
The last encounter saw Bayern secure a victory, but Celtic will be eager to rewrite history tonight.
Current Form and Performance
Celtic: Dominating the Scottish Premiership, Celtic holds a commanding 13-point lead over rivals Rangers. Their home form has been impeccable, remaining unbeaten at Celtic Park since late 2023.
Bayern Munich: Sitting atop the Bundesliga, Bayern has won seven of their last eight matches in 2025. However, they have faced challenges on the road in Europe, including a 3-0 loss to Feyenoord earlier in the group stage.
Injury and Suspension Updates
Celtic:
Good news for the Hoops as Daizen Maeda is available after his suspension was reduced. This gives Brendan Rodgers another attacking option against Bayern’s defense. However, Liel Abada and James McCarthy remain sidelined due to long-term injuries.Bayern Munich:
Bayern has a few concerns, with Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman unavailable due to injuries. Their absence could impact the Bavarians' attacking depth, leaving more responsibility on Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala to create chances.
Tactical Analysis
Celtic's Expected Approach
Brendan Rodgers is likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on defensive solidity while exploiting Bayern’s high defensive line on the counter. Celtic will rely on the pace of Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi to break quickly. The midfield trio, including Callum McGregor, will aim to disrupt Bayern’s rhythm and feed the attack.
Bayern Munich's Strategy
Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, is expected to dominate possession in their usual 4-2-3-1 setup. Joshua Kimmich will dictate the tempo from midfield, while Harry Kane will lead the line, supported by Musiala and Sané. Their key focus will be breaking down Celtic’s low block and avoiding getting caught on the counter.
Managerial Battle
Brendan Rodgers (Celtic):
The Northern Irishman has extensive European experience and knows how to motivate his players for big nights at Celtic Park. His tactical approach will revolve around discipline and exploiting Bayern’s weaknesses.Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich):
The former Manchester City captain is in his first season as Bayern's head coach. His possession-based approach has shown promise, but his side has been vulnerable defensively in away games.
Fan Expectations and Atmosphere
Celtic Park is known for its electrifying atmosphere on European nights. The passionate home crowd will make it an intimidating environment for Bayern, with loud chants and a relentless backing for their team. Bayern players have admitted in the past that playing in Glasgow is one of the toughest challenges in European football.
Conclusion
This match is a true David vs. Goliath encounter. Celtic will rely on their home advantage and counter-attacking play, while Bayern Munich’s star power makes them the favorites. The Bavarians will aim to take control early, but if Celtic can frustrate them and take their chances, an upset could be on the cards.
Regardless of the result, expect a thrilling Champions League night at Celtic Park.
FAQs
1. What time does the Celtic vs. Bayern Munich match start?
The match kicks off at 9:00 PM CET at Celtic Park, Glasgow.
2. Where can I watch Celtic vs. Bayern Munich live?
The game will be broadcast on Cosmote Sport 8 HD, Arena Sport 4 HD (Serbia), and Sport TV5 (Portugal).
3. Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Celtic: Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Callum McGregor.
For Bayern Munich: Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sané.
4. What are the market values of the two teams?
- Celtic: €124.15 million
- Bayern Munich: €856 million
5. What is Bayern Munich’s record against Celtic?
Bayern has won 3 out of 4 previous meetings, with one draw. Celtic has never beaten Bayern in a competitive match.