Davies' Last-Minute Goal for Bayern Shatters Celtic's Hopes in Champions League
If Bayern Munich were motivated by the return of the Champions League final to their home stadium, their performance on the night didn’t exactly reflect it. For Celtic, however, it was a night to remember, with their heroic effort in Bavaria drawing widespread admiration.
Celtic’s performance ranks as one of the best by a Scottish team in European away fixtures in recent memory. They deserved extra time after taking a second-half lead, only to be cruelly denied by a scrappy goal from Alphonso Davies. A clearance from Cameron Carter-Vickers rebounded off him from just two yards out, and with only 30 seconds left in stoppage time, Bayern snatched a dramatic equalizer. This result was harsh on Celtic, as they had truly come of age in this Champions League campaign, especially in Munich.
In the aftermath of their narrow 3-2 aggregate loss, Bayern Munich were hoping to make amends after their penalty shootout defeat to Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final, held at the Allianz Arena. But as the match wore on, even a spot in the last 16 seemed in jeopardy for them. Celtic will reflect positively on their campaign once the sting of defeat fades. Yet, in the immediate aftermath, the loss by the narrowest of margins was excruciating.
Celtic’s doubts about Harry Kane’s involvement proved well-founded, as the England captain missed the game to recover from a facial injury sustained in a draw with Bayer Leverkusen. Within 10 minutes, Kane had already tested goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a deflected shot. Both teams had early chances: Serge Gnabry missed a header from a Michael Olise cross, and Celtic captain Callum McGregor squandered a chance after a driving run.
Celtic started the game with confidence and should have taken the lead. In a thrilling two-minute spell, they passed up three golden opportunities. Jota’s skillful play on the left set up Nicolas Kühn, whose shot beat Manuel Neuer, only for Raphaël Guerreiro to clear it off the line. Then, a dangerous cross from Arne Engels just missed the outstretched Daizen Maeda. Brendan Rodgers would have been cursing his luck when Dayot Upamecano misfired a clearance straight to Engels, who fed Maeda. With more time than he realized, Maeda’s shot sailed high over the bar.
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