For 78 minutes, Bayern Munich performed like a team who were irritated at having to play an extra two games before taking a place in the Champions League’s last 16. Next week’s return leg looked little more than a box-ticking exercise.
What happened next was as curious as it was intriguing. Daizen Maeda’s header afforded Celtic hope to the extent that they actually finished as the stronger team. Bayern, once so vastly superior, started to rock. Vincent Kompany’s team will still be the heavy favourites to progress from this playoff but Celtic will believe they can cause a shock. It was testament to the attitude of Celtic that they did not wilt against one of the favourites for the competition. Indeed, there was intelligence and bravery on show.
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