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Bayern Munich end Celtic's Champions League hopes at Parkhead

Ryan Bailey

Updated 31/10/2017 at 22:35 GMT

Champions League, Celtic Park - Celtic 1 (McGregor 74) Bayern Munich 2 (Coman 22, Martinez 77)

Stuart Armstrong of Celtic reacts during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Celtic FC and Bayern Muenchen at Celtic Park on October 31, 2017 in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Image credit: Getty Images

Bayern Munich are through to the last 16 of the Champions League following a 2-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead.


The Scots put up a valiant fight, but goals from Kingsley Coman and Javi Martinez ended Brendan Rodgers’ hopes of Champions League progression.

Celtic were the more dangerous side in the opening 10 minutes, with Stuart Armstrong coming close to opening the scoring when he was picked out in the six-yard box by a Kieran Tierney cross. The Scottish midfielder should have done better with his close-range left-footed effort.

With Coman and Rafinha regularly peppering the box with crosses, it became clear that Bayern were not intending to attack with balls on the floor. Their opening goal came from a route-one aerial movement, when Sven Ulreich punted down field and Dedryk Boyata failed to claim it. Coman snuck in behind the Belgian, beat an advancing Craig Gordon and calmly put the ball in the net for his first away goal in the Champions League.

On the balance of play, the Bhoys did not deserve to go into the dressing room a goal down at half time — Coman's effort was the only shot on target in the first 45 minutes. Bayern were happy to maintain possession and sit on their lead, knowing Celtic were likely to leave space when pushing for an equaliser.
The home side eventually drew level in the 74th minute, when James Forrest delivered a superb through-ball to Callum McGregor, who duly the ball through Ulreich’s legs. Celtic’s momentum was deflated less than three minutes later, when Javi Martinez rose to meet a David Alaba cross, putting the Germans ahead once again.

Brendan Rodger’s side pushed for another equaliser, but were unable to produce anything, despite nearly seven minutes of extra time.

The win, combined with Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Anderlecht, put Bayern through to the knockout round. Celtic will need a win against Anderlecht on the next match day to secure Europa League football.

KEY MOMENTS

5 - Tierney breaks and nearly finds Armstrong with a cross at the far post, but he shoots wide from close range. Rafinha should have done better in tracking Armstrong and the midfielder will should have put that on target.

22 - GOAL: Ulreich hoofs the ball down field and Boyata opts to let it go. Coman sneaks in and beats an approaching Gordon, putting the ball in an empty net.

31 - CHANCE: Tierney picks out Armstrong who plays a one-two with Dembele in the box. Alaba prevents a Dembele tap-in with a great recivery tackle. Corner.

68 - CHANCE: James finds space in the box to reel off a shot, but his low drive is kept out by Gordon. The Colombian took a little too long on the ball.

74 - GOAL: McGregor puts the ball through Ulreich's legs after a glorious pass from Forrest that cuts the Bayern back line in half.

77 - GOAL: Martinez heads Bayern back into the lead after connecting with a Coman cross form the left.

TALKING POINT

How deep can Bayern Munich go in the Champions League?

Die Roten last won the competition with Jump Heynckes was at the helm in 2013, but can he deliver glory once again? Will the German and Spanish giants feel the threat of the resurgent English teams in the competition?

MAN OF THE MATCH

Kingsley Coman: Coman and Arjen Robben were charged with providing Bayern’s attacking threat, and the Frenchman emphatically rose to the challenge on the left side of the attack. He was a constant threat and enjoyed a 91% pass completion rate.

PLAYER RATINGS

Celtic: Gordon 6, Lustig 7, Bitton 8, Boyata 6, Tierney 7, Armstrong 8, Brown 6, Forrest 8, McGregor 7, Sinclair 5, Dembélé 6. Subs: Griffiths 6, Rogic 6.

Bayern Munich: Ulreich 7, Rafinha 7, Süle 7, Boateng 6, Alaba 8, Martinez 7, Tolisso 6, Vidal 6, Robben 6, James 5, Coman 8. Subs: Thiago 6, Rudy 6, Kimmich 7.

KEY STATS

  • Celtic have won only one of their last nine home games in the Champions League proper.
  • This was Celtic’s fourth defeat in their last 52 home games.
  • Jupp Heynckes is the first Bayern Munich manager to win seven consecutive Champions League games.
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