The UEFA Champions League playoff heats up as Celtic host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their knockout tie, with a place in the Round of 16 on the line. The clash is set for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Celtic Park. Africa Football editor Allan Damba provides his prediction for the upcoming clash.
Match Overview
Neither side secured automatic qualification to the knockout rounds, having finished outside the Top Eight in the group phase. Bayern Munich, surprisingly underwhelming, finished 12th with 15 points in eight matches, while Celtic placed 21st with 12 points from the same number of games.
In their final Champions League group matches, Bayern comfortably defeated Slovan Bratislava 3-1, with Thomas Müller, Harry Kane, and Kingsley Coman finding the net. Meanwhile, Celtic were handed a 4-1 thrashing by Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Both teams enter this fixture after dominant domestic victories over the weekend—Celtic crushed Raith Rovers 5-0, while Bayern eased past Werder Bremen 3-0.
Celtic Recent Form
Celtic have been in strong form, losing just once in their last five matches, while winning the other four. Brendan Rodgers’ men have been ruthless in front of goal, scoring 17 times and conceding just five in that period.
- Last Five Matches: 4 Wins, 1 Loss
- Latest Result: Celtic 5-0 Raith Rovers
Bayern Munich Recent Form
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich have also won four of their last five matches, suffering just one defeat. However, their defensive vulnerability remains a concern, conceding eight goals in that stretch despite netting 12.
- Last Five Matches: 4 Wins, 1 Loss
- Latest Result: Bayern Munich 3-0 Werder Bremen
Head-to-Head Record
- Celtic 1-2 Bayern
- Bayern 3-0 Celtic
- Celtic 0-0 Bayern
- Bayern 2-1 Celtic
Bayern Munich have dominated past encounters, winning three of the last four meetings.
Celtic vs Bayern Munich Prediction
Both teams will be eager to gain an early advantage in the tie, but Bayern Munich’s superior quality, squad depth, and European pedigree make them the favorites to come out on top.
Best Betting Tips and Odds
For punters, the best bets for this fixture include:
- Away Win (2) – Odds: 1.41 (1xBet)
- Both Teams to Score (YES) – Odds: 1.59 (1xBet)
Bayern’s attacking firepower should be enough to secure an away victory, but Celtic’s recent scoring form at homesuggests they could get on the scoresheet.
Player to Watch: Jeffrey Schlupp
Recently signed from Crystal Palace, Jeffrey Schlupp has already featured twice for Celtic and is quickly becoming a key figure in Rodgers’ setup. His versatility and experience could prove crucial as the Hoops look to challenge Bayern’s dominance.
This season: 2 appearances for Celtic
