The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Celtic (Scotland) and Bayern Munich (Germany) will be held on February 12 at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Celtic vs. Bayern Munich: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Celtic
The Scots finished 21st in the main stage, remaining unbeaten in 6 out of 8 matches (3 wins, 3 draws), with both losses occurring away from home. At their own ground, Brendan Rodgers' side ranked eighth in the current Champions League. In the previous tournament, the club failed to advance past the group stage, finishing last in Group E. Moreover, Celtic has not reached the playoffs of the main European competition since the 2012/13 season.
Following an appeal, forward Daizen Maeda's suspension has been lifted. Forward James Forrest is unavailable due to injury.
- The club has conceded at least one goal in 20 of their last 23 Champions League matches.
- At home, the Scots are unbeaten in 6 Champions League games (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Both teams scored in 7 of Celtic's last 8 home matches in this tournament.
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, Adam Idah.
Bayern Munich
Typically, the Munich side breezed through the Champions League group stage, but this season the path to the playoffs was more challenging. Vincent Kompany's team secured 5 wins and suffered 3 losses, ultimately finishing 12th. Notably, in five main round matches, Bayern could not score more than one goal. In the previous Champions League edition, the Germans reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Real Madrid (1-2, 2-2).
Defender Alphonso Davies and midfielder João Palhinha are injured. Defender Hiroki Ito, who joined from Stuttgart at the start of the season, is included in the squad for the first time after recovering from a serious injury.
- The club has won 4 of their last 5 Champions League matches (1 loss).
- In their last 7 away games in this tournament, the Munich side has failed to keep a clean sheet.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 5 of Bayern's last 6 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Raphaël Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Sacha Boey – Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané – Harry Kane.
Referee
Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 20%.
Celtic vs. Bayern Munich: Match Prediction
The Scots understand that a good result in the home leg is crucial for a successful encounter against the German giants. Celtic generally performs excellently at home, remaining unbeaten in their last six Champions League matches (4 wins, 2 draws). The team also showcases solid defensive play, which will be beneficial against Bayern, who currently lack consistency in attack.
All three of Bayern's defeats in this Champions League have come away from home. Furthermore, in their last seven away matches in this tournament, the club has only one victory (1 draw, 5 losses), achieved against Shakhtar in a match held in Germany. Even when Bayern wins on the road, they rarely do so convincingly: the German club has won by more than one goal only twice in their last 12 away Champions League matches.
It's also worth mentioning that the previous encounter between these opponents in Scotland ended with a 1-2 defeat for Celtic. I believe the hosts will cover the positive handicap this time. My prediction: Celtic with a handicap (+1.5)
