Celtic vs Bayern Munich Prediction: Match Preview and Analysis - Champions League

Among the first-leg matches of the Champions League playoffs, one encounter stands out after an eight-year hiatus: the clash at Celtic Park in Glasgow between Celtic and Bayern Munich. The last time these two teams faced off was in 2017, during the Champions League group stage, before UEFA's reform introduced the current single-league format. On both occasions, home and away, Bayern Munich emerged victorious, winning 3-0 and 2-1, respectively. It feels like an eternity ago, with Kingsley Coman being the sole survivor from that Bayern squad—incidentally, he was the one who opened the scoring at Celtic Park. While much has changed, one thing remains the same: both teams continue to dominate their respective domestic leagues. Bayern Munich leads the Bundesliga comfortably, just as Celtic holds the top spot in the Scottish Premiership with a significant margin over their closest challengers. Their commanding positions allow both teams to approach this fixture with full focus, free from domestic distractions, and without the need to conserve energy.

Celtic's shape and key statistics

Brendan Rodgers' side owes its qualification for this Champions League playoff primarily to their impressive home record. The Scots have secured 10 out of their total 12 points at Celtic Park, with three wins and a draw. In total, they have averaged 1.63 goals per game while conceding 1.75.

Celtic has won its last eight home matches and remains unbeaten at Celtic Park for an impressive 23-game streak. To overcome the Bayern Munich challenge, Rodgers will rely heavily on their home advantage and the clinical form of Adam Idah, who has netted four goals in his last three games.

Bayern Munich's shape and key statistics

Bayern Munich missed out on direct qualification to the Round of 16 by just one point, largely due to their poor away performances in the Champions League. In four away matches, they managed only one win, suffering three defeats, even against theoretically weaker opponents like Feyenoord and Aston Villa.

Despite leading the Bundesliga, Bayern has shown defensive frailties, conceding at least one goal in each of their last seven away games across all competitions. However, Vincent Kompany can take confidence in Bayern’s strong historical record against Scottish teams: 10 wins, 6 draws, and only 3 losses.

Celtic vs Bayern Munich Prediction and Tactical Overview

Although Bayern Munich has struggled away from home in this Champions League campaign, they have all the necessary quality to return from Glasgow with a crucial victory, setting themselves up comfortably for the second leg.

The Bavarians are far more experienced in high-stakes European matches, whereas Celtic has not played a Champions League knockout round since the 2012/2013 season.

Given these factors, the BetMines algorithm predicts a strong likelihood of a Bayern Munich victory. 

• BetMines algorithm prediction for the match Celtic - Bayern Munich predicts the 1 at 33%
• BetMines algorithm prediction for the match Celtic - Bayern Munich predicts the X at 23%
• BetMines algorithm prediction for the match Celtic - Bayern Munich predicts the 2 at 44%

Celtic vs Bayern Munich probable lineups

CELTIC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Scales, Trusty, Schlupp; Engels, Bernardo, McCowan; Maeda, Kenny, Hyun-Jun. Coach: Rodgers.

BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane. Coach: Kompany.