Be clear, Bayern Munich are lucky to still be in the Champions League. While they had most of the ball last night, Celtic controlled the game. The visitors determined the pattern of play, the pace of the game, where it would be played and the nature of chances each team would create.
That control came within 15 seconds of securing a win on the night and was enough to raise the reputation of Celtic to a level not seen in a decade. Celtic created enough excellent chances to win the tie outright. Bayern progressed as Celtic tired late on, which resulted in them dropping ever-deeper.
There are so many chasms to bridge for Celtic in Europe, but it was only the energy gap which differentiated them from one of Europe’s elite sides. The difference between playing against pedestrian opponents 40 times a season, then being plunged into an Olympic sprint in Europe, remains a challenge.
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to open with Jota and Nicolas Kuhn on the wings setup the treat that was to follow. Jota was inspired. His close control and sheer artistry was unmatched by anyone on the pitch. After an early chance beat the keeper but was clear off the line, Kuhn’s took a while to recover, but when he did, he sat Mauel Neuer on his bum and rolled the ball into the net for the opening goal.
That followed great work by Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda, both of whom were second favourites in their challenges. A winning attitude throughout the Celtic team was evident throughout. The foul on Daizen Maeda in the lead up to the Bayern goal was a mistake by VAR. Had it not been a possible red card, I think it may have been given.
Alistair Johnston was authoritative all night. The Bayern coaches must have thought, ‘Where did they find this guy?’ [More on that at a later date] Jeffrey Schlupp was a big call at left back. The player did not particularly impress me against Raith Rovers 10 days ago. He has made the most of that time to settle into Celtic as he was as imperious as were the rest of his defensive colleagues last night. I even tought Alan Shearer put in a good shift; it was that kind of night.
What is the biggest gap between two towns in Germany? Dortmund to Munich. The growth Celtic have achieved since the game against Borussia is exceptional. We are a proper Champions League side and can look forward with some confidence.
144 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- »
!!Bada Bing!! on 19th February 2025 6:04 pm
San Francisco 49ers in takeover talks with Sevco
—-
Lol.
They are sending over their best man to take care of it.
The name’s “Diligence. Due Diligence”
Won’t take long.
If he flies over on Wednesday, he’ll be home for junior’s soft ball game at the weekend.
75000 there last night1. Nobody leaving early
Mods- can you delete my post at 4.10pm,thanks
“ I’ve got nuffing left “
Ian Beale
B2B- that was my first thought, once they look under the hood…..
BB – indeed.
The more outrageous the feel good headline …
… the bigger the trouble coming down the pike.
For those who don’t believe it?
I have loads of used toilet paper to sell you.
20p a sheet.
Limited edition offer.
Only 505,000,000 in circulation.
Don’t miss out.
weird times – the DR is going with a world exclusive – SF are taking over sevco and BBC sport are reporting the massive scoop that baldemort is not getting the sack. Anybody would think the hunedia got a massive shock last night
Mod – While you’re at it … can you delete my post of 6:18pm please?
(And if you have any standards at all? You’ll delete all my posts 😜😜😜 )
Speaking of DR world exclusives ….
…. when do their season ticket renewal letters go out?
Serious question, do we still have mods on here anymore?
😂
totally random fact –
being a taxi driver protects against Alzheimer’s disease!
yousawitherefirstcsc
Prestonpans
No, the rockers kicked the crap out of them. :)
PPB,
With the age group on here Im sure there are a few Small Faces fans 👍🏻
Rockers,
Can you please delete my post at 6:43.
Thanks 👍🏻
https://celtic365.com/2025/02/bbc-need-to-be-banned-for-good-disgrace-of-a-journalist-absolute-joke-of-a-broadcaster-alasdair-lamont-shows-his-true-colours/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIi-41leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVFa-VHaMqneDgztvGRmNqkJmypGg4lXqYPjZ9bGpROIdImIxDs9_CTu5Q_aem_pX8WmtdwLSj9hU35gDJziA&sfnsn=scwspwa
The 49ers? I think Kev is playing a prank.
It’s understood he is now part of a consortium – including at least one other high net worth American business mogul – which hopes to restore Rangers to the top of the Scottish game after years spent languishing in the shadow of Old Firm rivals Celtic.
avoids saying billionaire, it must be true.
St Stivs,
Im assuming this will be coming from the same journo so told us about the Motherwell both billionaire?
And was that the same one as who told us about Jefte going to Chelsea?
Also is it a coincidence that this is coming out just after the last share issue?
Just about to watch Real v Citeh. Wish they could both lose. Still on a high following our brave, mature and thrilling performance last night.
MAJESTIC, and the forthcoming season ticket renewals on the horizon, when they desperately NEED some good news for Ra Bears to lap up before ponying up.
Ave Ave
One minute,you are on top,then,on your knees,all of a sudden,you are down,sometimes for long periods.
Think its the”69ers” who are involved.
😮😮😮😮
Bada Bing @ 6:57pm.
Thank you.
“Lamont has taken it all very personally, diving into a mid-life crisis by growing a pony-tail and goatee, showing his arty-farty side on Twitter with pictures and comments about obscure groovy bands that he really digs”
🤣🤣🤣🤣
FWIW – I wouldn’t know this guy if he walked right past me on the Broomielaw.
HOT SMOKED on 19TH FEBRUARY 2025 4:22 PM
bada
Thanks for the link.
To my eyes , around four people were `involved`. I don`t think that can fairly be classed as `The Green Brigade.`
——
Whatever the numbers or cause , fans fighting among themselves is a terrible look for any club and
far , far below what I hope for , or expect of , ours.
MCPHAIL BHOY on 19TH FEBRUARY 2025 1:20 PM
I see reports here that Celtic are lining up a friendly during the summer against Cork City.
Fill your boots Corkcelt!
……………………….
I’m so glad to see this. Celtic have taken our Irish fans for granted for decades. We need to be playing a couple of games in Ireland at least every season and playing a strong team. There was a big crowd at the Sligo Rovers game last year. Performances like last night might help us win over fans in Ireland but going over and playing games regularly will be even more meaningful.
OK.
This latest foolishness coming out of AyeRight?
I’ll play along.
Two facts if I may then a question
Fact 1 : The guys currently paying to keep the lights on are doing so by loaning their hard earned in huge numbers, exposing themselves to significantfinancial risk, then converting their loans to shares AT A STANDARD RATE OF 20 PENCE PER SHARE (while being disrespected by morons in the stands whose club they keep afloat for the privilege)
Fact 2 : One of the world’s smallest constituencies of humans are that group of
– Americans
– Who are numerically illiterate
– But have made millions of dollars
– and now want to invest in sports
Question: When the takeover happens, at what price will the shares be bought/sold?
1-0 Real Madrid
Mbappe
Funny being disappointed while getting a draw in the Ol’ Allianz Arena but there you go.
Funnily enough last night’s match reminded of Martin O’Neill’s Celtic team which lost 2-1 back around over twenty years back , though that was not a knock-out fixture. Really needed to go through over the ninety minutes, and we did have the chance to go two up. Bayern stretched us wide especially when Leroy Sane came on, alongside Olise, not easy to defend against players of that kaliber. We moved into the ‘slow lane’ back then, important not to take that tack now,
https://www.celticnewsnow.com/hoople/
Howdy doodee.
I’m an American billionaire investor with wealth off the radar who wishes to plough loads of cash into your famous Glasgow Sevco with no expectation of any return on my investment.
My name is Vague Shyte and I come from Madrebuena.
Got it in 2 🕺🏻
THE BATTERED BUNNET on 19TH FEBRUARY 2025 1:35 PM
B78
Schlupp was excellent last night, everything you’d want from a player in that position with 10 years of EPL experience behind him.
However, as a back up next year to KT I’m afraid he’s a hopelessly ill-fitting choice – (relatively) huge wages, diminishing performance and no market value.
The back up to KT needs to be at the opposite end of the career path.
I do hope big Idah doesn’t take losing his place to Maeda too hard. The sense is that he needs to feel he belongs in the side, and being dropped for a big match for a winger is unlikely to help.
Aside, as others have noted, removing the glass ceiling that was the “buy young – sell high” strategy has delivered a capable team in just two windows. How we manage the evolution of the team from here will be interesting to watch.
…………………………..
We have to make allowances so that Schlupp can be accommodated within our overall structure and players like him. Lubo Moravcik and Aaron Mooy were in the latter stages of their careers but were immense for us and made great contributions to us winning trophies. Schlupp’s sheer physicality and athleticism add great value to our squad. We need another couple like him. Dependable, experienced players who will not get pushed off the ball easily and who can fit seamlessly into our team when the occasion demands irrespective of the level of opposition. I know we have to adhere to a trading model but it must be flexible. This year we have spent a lot on players but we have reaped great financial rewards because of it and two trophies ((probably) so far. The buy young , sell high model was taking us nowhere on its own. There was no squad development. With the more flexible approach adopted this season we are starting to establish our reputation as a club that needs to be taken seriously in Europe once more.
As I’ve said before, ceteris paribus, I can’t see how anyone could make a return on investment from the huns.
The business currently generates no free cash flow and is unlikely to do so for the foreseeable if ever, which makes it impossible to value using traditional methods.
That would take you to the balance sheet. Would anyone pay book value?
The main asset is the stadium, which in theory has alternative use value e.g. knock it down and build houses, a supermarket, cinema complex etc.
In reality it has no alternative use – can you imagine the flack if Tesco bought it to knock it down and build a supermarket or Barratt bought it to build houses???
Not a chance.
So it’s effectively worthless to anyone wanting to make a return on their capital.
shall we play motherwell billionaire bingo?
city must be out now – 5-2 on agg to Real
Will Pep get papped?
City in need of a pep talk.
From Jobo
*SENTINEL CELTS PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2024-25*
*RESULTS FROM GAME #42 BAYERN MUNICH 1 CELTIC 1 (KUHN)*
Good evening, friends.
Talk about still being in the Champions league for as long as possible – our 10th game and we took it to the very last minute. Heartbreak at the time but a lot of positives to look back on.
Our most disciplined, professional first half of the season saw us remain defensively sound and pressing at the correct ‘trigger moments’ (copyright BR). And we had the 4 clearest chances of the half, passed up in turn by McGregor, Kuhn, Maeda’s toenails and Maeda. I’ve said it before but it’s always these wee small margins on which games can turn. Bayern probably did come closest, however, in the 44th minute when Kane’s effort came off the bar. But that’s still a shot off target and we went into the break goalless and full of confidence.
We had a scare right at the start of the second half when Bayern broke our lines but Kasper stood big and made a fine save. Brendan broke with tradition and made his first substitution a minute early with Idah replacing Jota in the 59th minute. Just 4 minutes later big Adam played a forward ball towards Maeda and Daizen then won 2 successive 40-60 duels to play the ball towards the advancing Kuhn. The defender should have done better but that’s not to take anything away from Nicolas’ fine composed finish and suddenly Celtic were level in the tie and Old Man Jobo had his wished for moment of jumping about daft! And unlike last week’s, this time Kuhn’s opener counted.
Just 5 minutes after scoring, Kuhn had to be replaced, holding his calf and surprisingly this turned out to be our second and final substitution which saw the introduction of Yang.
On 70 minutes we had another nearly moment. Engels from the half way line out on the right fired a brilliant curling crossfield pass into the area which was met at full stretch by the diving Maeda but the ball went straight into the goalkeepers arms.
With 15 remaining Bayern were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal following a tiring tackle by Engels. The wall did its job but from the rebound a fine curling shot was met by Kasper at full stretch to turn the ball out for a corner.
I’m not sure how many times I checked the clock during those latter stages but when the board went up to show 4 added minutes my mind drifted to extra time and which 4 fresh players we might be able to introduce. 3 minutes later and those thoughts evaporated. No blame on Kasper for me as his sole objective was to save the header. No blame either on CCV who put his own brakes on, probably worried that Kasper’s save might rebound off him. Unfortunately, the split second delay in getting the tackle in saw the ball rebound off Davies’ shin and into the net.
One final point to mention happened about 45 seconds before their goal. Maeda was caught in the face and fell to the ground clutching his head. TV pictures show the referee having a look at it (he points) but allows play to concede. Whilst I’m not sure that it was definitely a foul, there is absolutely no doubt that it was a head knock and I really expected the referee to stop play. Perhaps Maeda was guilty of getting back to his feet too quickly and not being cute enough to clutch his head?
So, our European adventures have come to an end for this season and whilst it has been a bit of a rollercoaster at times it has certainly been the most enjoyable campaign since Seville. And if we win our next 7 domestic league games (or alternatively win 8 out of the remaining 12) we will be rewarded with a one-off 2-legged play off tie to get a chance to do it all again next season!
We have now played 42 games this season, winning 30, drawing 8 and losing 4. We have scored 115 and conceded 36 (domestically it’s 100-19 and in Europe it’s 15-17).
Thank you so much to the 79 who voted this time around. Particular thanks to Flower Of The Rarest who sent me the 3000th voting email of the season. A lurker who votes after every single game, good or bad, so it’s a well earned 15 minutes of anonymous fame!
The total votes cast for each player are as follows, with my own nominations asterisked.
Schmeichel*: 48
Johnston: 51
Carter-Vickers: 4
Trusty: 5
Schlupp*: 35
McGregor*: 38
Engels: 20
Hatate: 4
Kuhn: 4
Maeda: 27
Jota: 1
Idah: 0
Yang: 0
And so, the players receiving POINTS for the game against Bayern Munich are –
Johnston – 5 points
Schmeichel – 4 points
McGregor – 3 points
Schlupp – 2 points
Maeda – 1 point
And the overall positions after 42 games played are –
65 points – Maeda
58 points – Kuhn
51 points – Engels, McGregor, Schmeichel
48 points – Hatate
41 points – Bernardo, Scales
32 points – Trusty
31 points – Johnston A
29 points – McCowan
24 points – Kyogo
23 points – Carter-Vickers
21 points – Taylor
19 points – Valle
15 points – Idah
11 points – Jota
7 points – O’Riley, Yang
5 points – Schlupp
4 points – Forrest
3 points – Welsh
2 points – Murray
0 points – Cummings, Holm, Johnston M., Kenny, Nawrocki, Palma, Ralston, Turley
We return to league action this week with an away trip to in-form Hibs. Kick off on Saturday is 12.30pm.
Hail Hail!