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 and statistics.
Celtic
The Scots finished 21st in the main stage, remaining unbeaten in 6 out of 8 matches (3 wins, 3 draws), with both losses occurring away from home. At their home ground, Brendan Rodgers' side ranked eighth in the current Champions League. In the previous tournament, the club failed to progress beyond the group stage, finishing last in Group E. Furthermore, Celtic has not advanced to the knockout stage of the main European tournament since the 2012/13 season.
Following an appeal, the suspension of forward Daizen Maeda has been lifted. Forward James Forrest is unavailable due to injury.
- The club has conceded at least one goal in 20 of their last 23 Champions League matches.
- The Scots are unbeaten in their last 6 home games in the Champions League (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 7 of Celtic's last 8 home fixtures in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Celtic (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel – Greg Taylor, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Alistair Johnston – Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate – Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kühn, Adam Idah.
Bayern Munich
Typically, the Munich team breezed through the Champions League group stage, but this season the path to the playoffs was more challenging. Vincent Kompany's side recorded 5 wins and 3 losses, ultimately finishing in 12th place. Notably, Bayern failed to score more than one goal in five of their main round matches. In the previous Champions League edition, the Germans reached the semi-finals, where they lost to Real Madrid (1-2, 2-2).
Defender Alphonso Davies and midfielder João Palhinha are injured. Defender Hiroki Ito has been included in the squad after recovering from a serious injury.
- The club has won 4 of their last 5 Champions League matches (1 loss).
- In their last 7 away games in this tournament, the Munich team has failed to keep a clean sheet.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 5 of Bayern Munich's last 6 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Raphaël Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Sacha Boey – Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané – 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 in their home match is crucial for a successful encounter against the German giants. Overall, Celtic has shown excellent results at home, remaining unbeaten in their last six Champions League matches (4 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, the team displays solid defensive play, which will be a significant advantage against Bayern Munich, who are currently struggling with consistency in attack.
Munich suffered all three of their Champions League defeats away from home. Furthermore, the club has only one win in their last seven away matches in this tournament (1 draw, 5 losses), and that victory came against Shakhtar in a match played in Germany. Even when Bayern wins away, they rarely do so convincingly: the German club has won by more than one goal in only two of their last 12 away Champions League matches.
It is also worth noting that the previous encounter between these opponents in Scotland ended with a 1-2 defeat for Celtic. I believe the hosts will maintain a positive handicap this time. My prediction: Celtic with a handicap (+1.5)
