The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Celtic (Scotland) and Bayern Munich (Germany) will take place on February 12 at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Celtic vs. Bayern Munich: prediction, statistics.
Celtic
The Scots finished 21st in the main stage, remaining unbeaten in 6 out of 8 matches (3 wins, 3 draws), with both defeats occurring away. At home, Brendan Rodgers' team ranked eighth in the current Champions League. In the previous tournament, the club did not advance past the group stage, finishing last in Group E. Moreover, Celtic has not reached the playoffs of the main European tournament since the 2012/13 season.
After an appeal, forward Daizen Maeda's suspension was lifted.
- The club has conceded at least one goal in 20 of their last 23 Champions League matches.
- At home, the Scots are unbeaten in 6 Champions League games (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Both opponents have scored in 7 of Celtic's last 8 home games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Celtic (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel – Greg Taylor, Austin Trusty, Liam Scales, Alistair Johnston – Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate – Daizen Maeda, Nicholas Kuhn, Adam Idah.
Bayern Munich
Usually, the Munich team breezes through the Champions League group stage, but this season, securing a playoff spot was more challenging. Vincent Kompany's side registered 5 wins and suffered 3 losses, ultimately finishing 12th. Notably, in five group stage matches, Bayern failed to score more than one goal. In the previous Champions League, the Germans reached the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Real Madrid (1-2, 2-2).
Defender Alphonso Davies is injured.
- The club has won 4 of their last 5 Champions League matches (1 loss).
- In their last 7 away games in this tournament, Munich has not kept a clean sheet.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 5 of Bayern's last 6 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Konrad Laimer – Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Alexander Pavlovic, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane – Harry Kane.
Referee
Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 20%.
Celtic vs. Bayern Munich: Match Prediction
The Scots understand that a good result at home is crucial for a successful encounter against the German giants. At home, Celtic shows excellent results, unbeaten in their last six Champions League matches (4 wins, 2 draws). The team also displays solid defensive play, which will be an added advantage against Bayern, who currently lack consistency in attack.
Munich has suffered all three of their Champions League defeats away from home. Moreover, the club has only one win in their last seven away matches in this tournament (1 draw, 5 losses), with the victory coming against Shakhtar in a match held in Germany. Even when Bayern wins away, it is rarely by a large margin: the German club has won by more than one goal only twice in their last 12 away Champions League matches.
Additionally, the previous encounter between these opponents in Scotland ended in a 1-2 defeat for Celtic. I believe the hosts will cover the positive handicap this time. My prediction: Celtic with a handicap (+1.5)
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