The second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Bayern Munich (Germany) and Celtic (Scotland) will be held on February 18 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The score of the first match was 2-1 in favor of Bayern. Bayern vs. Celtic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Bayern
The Munich side secured a victory in Scotland, marking their fifth win in the last six Champions League matches. However, Bayern has conceded goals in their last four games in this tournament. In the return leg, the Germans only need to avoid defeat. Notably, Vincent Kompany's team has already suffered three losses in this season's Champions League, but all these matches were played away.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Bayern's last 7 Champions League games.
- The team has not lost in 20 consecutive home matches in this tournament (16 wins, 4 draws).
- Bayern opened the scoring in 6 of their last 7 home Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Bayern (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Konrad Laimer – Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané – Thomas Müller.
Celtic
In the match against Bayern, the Scots managed to score a late goal, extending their scoring streak in the Champions League to three games. However, Brendan Rodgers' side suffered two consecutive defeats in this tournament for the first time. To advance to the round of 16, Celtic must win by at least two goals in regular time. If they defeat Bayern by exactly one goal, extra time will be played. It's worth noting that Celtic has only one win in their last five Champions League matches (against Young Boys, 1-0).
- In 5 of Celtic's last 7 Champions League matches, they haven't conceded more than one goal.
- The team has failed to win in 12 consecutive away matches in this tournament (5 draws, 7 losses in regular time).
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of Celtic's last 7 away Champions League games.
Predicted lineup for Celtic (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel – Greg Taylor, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Alistair Johnston – Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate – Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kühn, Jota.
Forward James Forrest and midfielder Paulo Bernardo are unavailable due to injury.
Referee
Benoit Bastien (France)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Bayern vs. Celtic
In the first encounter, Bayern led by two goals before easing up and allowing their opponents to narrow the gap. However, Brendan Rodgers' side is unlikely to benefit from their late goal in this fixture. Celtic's away form in the Champions League is dreadful, with no wins in 12 consecutive matches. Their last away victory in the main stage of the Champions League was in 2017. Bayern, unbeaten at home in the Champions League for 20 matches, should comfortably secure their place in the round of 16.
Given the favorable result from the first leg, Bayern is unlikely to go all out. Moreover, a goal-fest at the Allianz Arena, like the one against Dinamo Zagreb, is rare for Bayern lately: no more than 4 goals have been scored in 8 of the last 9 Champions League games. I am confident that Vincent Kompany's side will control the match, preventing Celtic from creating threats. Additionally, the Scots have failed to score in 5 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
My prediction: Bayern will not lose and Total under 4.5 goals
