Reflecting on Celtic’s recent match against Bayern Munich, former striker turned pundit Chris Sutton provided an insightful analysis of the team’s performance. Sutton commended Celtic for their resilience and determination in the second half, where they showed a significant improvement in their attacking play. However, he didn’t shy away from criticizing their lackluster and fearful display in the initial stages of the game. The team struggled to assert themselves in the first half, with Bayern controlling possession and eventually finding the back of the net just before halftime through a superb strike from Michael Olise.
Sutton’s observation of Celtic playing with a hint of fear in the opening period highlights the cautious approach they adopted, which ultimately hindered their ability to make an impact going forward. The situation worsened when Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s lead early in the second half, putting Brendan Rodgers’ side in a difficult position. Nevertheless, a change in momentum occurred following the introduction of Jota and Schlupp, injecting a sense of urgency and enthusiasm into Celtic’s play.
The Hoops’ response was evident as they pushed Bayern back and ultimately managed to score a goal through a well-executed finish by Daizen Maeda in the 79th minute. The late surge displayed by Celtic in the dying moments of the game showcased their improved aggression and conviction in the final third. This shift in approach was acknowledged by Sutton, who noted the team’s positive strides towards the latter stages of the match.
Looking ahead to the upcoming second leg at the Allianz Arena, Sutton rightly cautioned that Celtic would face a formidable challenge against Bayern, who are expected to be the clear favorites. Despite the encouraging performance towards the end of the game, the task of overcoming Bayern on their home turf remains daunting. As Sutton succinctly put it, “It’ll be tough in Munich mind.” Celtic will need to build on their late rally and showcase the same level of determination and belief if they are to stand a chance of progressing in the competition.
