<div class="wprt-container">

<div class="kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-right kksr-valign-top"
 data-payload='{";align";:";right";,";id";:";18863";,";slug";:";default";,";valign";:";top";,";ignore";:";";,";reference";:";auto";,";class";:";";,";count";:";1";,";legendonly";:";";,";readonly";:";";,";score";:";5";,";starsonly";:";";,";best";:";5";,";gap";:";5";,";greet";:";";,";legend";:";5\/5 - (1 vote)";,";size";:";24";,";title";:";Celtic vs Bayern Munich: Champions League Knockout Round Playoff Preview and Prediction";,";width";:";142.5";,";_legend";:";{score}\/{best} - ({count} {votes})";,";font_factor";:";1.25";}'>
 
<div class="kksr-stars">
 
<div class="kksr-stars-inactive">
 <div class="kksr-star" data-star="1" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" data-star="2" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" data-star="3" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" data-star="4" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" data-star="5" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 </div>
 
<div class="kksr-stars-active" style="width: 142.5px;">
 <div class="kksr-star" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 <div class="kksr-star" style="padding-right: 5px">
 

<div class="kksr-icon" style="width: 24px; height: 24px;"></div>
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
 

<div class="kksr-legend" style="font-size: 19.2px;">
 5/5 - (1 vote) </div>
 </div>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong data-wp-editing="1"><img class="alignright wp-image-3015" src="/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/free-daily-soccer-tips_inscores.png" alt="Manchester City - Real Madrid Predictions" width="169" height="127" /></strong></span>On February 12, 2025, Celtic FC will host Bayern Munich at Celtic Park in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff. This marks Celtic&#8217;s long-awaited return to the Champions League knockout stages after a 12-year absence. The Scottish champions will aim to make a strong statement against one of Europe&#8217;s most dominant teams, Bayern Munich.</p>
<h3>Match Analysis</h3>
<p>Celtic secured their place in the knockout stage by finishing 21st in the league phase. Their European campaign has been marked by impressive home performances, including wins over Slovan Bratislava, RB Leipzig, and Young Boys, as well as a hard-fought draw against Atalanta. While they have been dominant domestically, the Champions League presents a significantly tougher challenge.<!--more--></p>
<p>On the other hand, Bayern Munich, under the leadership of manager Vincent Kompany, have been in formidable form. They currently top the Bundesliga standings and enter this fixture on a four-match winning streak across all competitions. With a history of deep runs in the Champions League, Bayern will be determined to maintain their dominance.</p>
<h3>Head-to-Head Statistics</h3>
<p>Historically, Bayern Munich has had the upper hand against Celtic in the Champions League. The two sides have met four times in the competition, with Bayern winning three of those encounters and one match ending in a draw. Their last meeting in the 2017/18 season saw Bayern claim a 2-1 victory.</p>
<h3>Team News and Player Conditions</h3>
<h4>Celtic</h4>
<p>Celtic will be without forward Daizen Maeda, who is suspended for this crucial fixture. Maeda has been in exceptional form, scoring 10 goals in his last 10 appearances, including a hat-trick against Raith Rovers. Midfielder Paulo Bernardo is also sidelined due to an ankle injury. However, there is positive news as Jota has rejoined the squad, though his match fitness remains uncertain.</p>
<h4>Bayern Munich</h4>
<p>Bayern will be missing midfielder João Palhinha, who is ruled out due to illness. However, Serge Gnabry, Hiroki Ito, and possibly Alphonso Davies are set to return from injuries, providing a significant boost to the squad.</p>
<h3>Predicted Lineups</h3>
<h4>Celtic (4-3-3)</h4>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><strong>Goalkeeper:</strong> Kasper Schmeichel</li>
<li><strong>Defenders:</strong> Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Greg Taylor</li>
<li><strong>Midfielders:</strong> Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels</li>
<li><strong>Forwards:</strong> Nicolas Kühn, Adam Idah, Yang Hyun-jun</li>
</ul>
<h4>Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)</h4>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><strong>Goalkeeper:</strong> Manuel Neuer</li>
<li><strong>Defenders:</strong> Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Raphael Guerreiro</li>
<li><strong>Midfielders:</strong> Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović</li>
<li><strong>Attacking Midfielders:</strong> Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise</li>
<li><strong>Forward:</strong> Harry Kane</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Player Statistics</h3>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><strong>Harry Kane (Bayern Munich):</strong> The English striker has been a pivotal figure for Bayern, contributing significantly to their attacking prowess this season.</li>
<li><strong>Callum McGregor (Celtic):</strong> The Celtic captain has been instrumental in midfield, dictating play and providing stability to his side.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Match Prediction</h3>
<p>Bayern Munich enters this match as clear favorites due to their European pedigree and superior squad depth. However, Celtic Park’s atmosphere and the Scottish champions’ strong home performances could make things difficult for the German side. While Celtic may put up a tough fight, Bayern’s quality is expected to prevail.</p>
<p><strong>Predicted Score:</strong> Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich</p>
</div>
