Bayern Munich Vs Celtic Prediction: Mission At Allianz Arena! Become A Victim Or A Surprise?

Jamal Musiala, wants to ensure Bayern Munich qualify for the last 16 of the 2025 Champions League. (photo: x @FCBayernEN)

JAKARTA Celtic faces a tough task when traveling to the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night 18 February or Wednesday morning WIB, to reverse the deficit 2-1 from the first leg against Bayern Munich for a ticket to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise put Bayern two goals ahead at Celtic Park last week before Daizen Maeda narrowed the gap for the visitors with more than 10 minutes remaining. The goal provided hope for the Scottish champions ahead of Germany's decisive match.

Bayern can be said to be lucky enough to bring the lead to the second leg, considering they were only able to create six shots from inside the penalty box with an xG (expected goals) of 0.7, lower than Celtic which had eight shots from inside the penalty box and xG of 1.37.

Bayern's luck was again seen in a 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Saturday 15 February. Xabi Alonso's squad dominated the match by restricting Bayern to just two shots without a single one hitting the net. Leverkusen himself twice hit the crossbar and threw away many golden opportunities.

However, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany could argue that his team's performance in the match was not very important because they were still eight points ahead of Leverkusen who were in second place.

Kompany can also highlight the fact that his team has scored three goals or more in the last eight of the last 14 games in all competitions. Where the 65 goals they have scored in the league, Bayern remain the team with the most productive attacking lines in the Bundesliga.

Last weekend's draw was Bayern's only failure to win in the last six games. In the last 11 games, they have only failed to win twice.

In addition, Bayern will be very confident ahead of this match as they are unbeaten in their last 20 home games in the Champions League, with only four draws in that period.

Meanwhile, Celtic appeared quite dangerous in the first leg, especially in the counter-attack. They even almost scored after just 30 seconds of the game, but Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn's goal was ruled out because Adam Idah was considered to be blocking Manuel Neuer's view in an offside position.

In its history, Celtic has met Bayern five times, but has never won, with a record of four defeats and a draw.

Brendan Rodgers' side are currently at the top of the Scottish League standings with 69 points, 13 points ahead of their eternal rival, Rangers.

The only Celtic defeat in their last five games was to Bayern in the first leg last week. However, they returned to winning ways by beatingUS United 3-0 last Saturday.

Rodgers and his men have won nine of their last 12 matches, despite two defeats in that period in the Champions League, against Aston Villa on January 29 and Bayern Munich in the previous match.

Celtic also have a bad record in away games in the Champions League. They have only won twice in their last seven away games in all competitions, with a record of two defeats and three draws. In fact, they have never won in their last 12 away games in the Champions League, with eight defeats and four draws.

Bayern Munich only has two players absent, namely left-back Alphonso Davies and reserve goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Meanwhile, all the starting players are available and ready to perform.

Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae are expected to guard the Bayern defense at the heart of defense, supported by Raphael Guerreiro and Josip Stanisic as full-backs.

On the front lines, Harry Kane will be the spearhead. He will most likely be supported by a trio of creative attackers, namely Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Kingsley Coman.

From the Celtic camp, Brendan Rodgers had to lose a flagship winger of James Forrest until the end of February with a leg injury, while midfielder Paulo Bernardo was also still sidelined until mid-March due to an ankle injury.

When his team trailed by one goal, Rodgers might have dropped Jota from the start in a three-forward formation with Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda.

In midfield, Callum McGregor's captain is likely to play defensive midfielder, with ArneANGles and Reo Hatate filling in box-to-box midfielders to shore up Celtic attack.

Although Celtic was able to create some dangerous chances in the first leg, Bayern remained a strong favorite to advance to the next round. With the advantage of playing at home and an impressive record at the Allianz Arena, Vincent Kompany's side are predicted to control the game.

Celtic could be threatening through a quick counter-attack, but Upamecano and Kim Min-jae's Bayern defense line will most likely be able to contain the visitors' attacks.

Harry Kane, who appeared sharp in the first leg, has the potential to score again in this match. Meanwhile, Musiala and Coman could also be a big threat to the Celtic defense who must perform perfectly if they want to turn things around.

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane

Celtic (4-3-3):Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Hatate, McGregor, Englishs; Maeda, Idah, Jota

Final score prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Celtic (Bayern won 5-2 aggregate)