Bayern Munich kick-started their preparation for Celtic Park with a resounding 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena last night…
Leroy Sane and Harry Kane are Bayern’s real threats
Leroy Sane and Harry Kane’s second half brace sent the Bundesliga league leaders nine points clear of reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Vincent Kompany’s side have played a game more than Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen who can close the gap at the foot of the table with three points away to mid-table Wolfsburg this afternoon. A reminder that the winners of Celtic and Bayern will play either Atletico Madrid or Leverkusen in the last 16 of the Champions League in March.
Bayern have now won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions – their last defeat came last month in Rotterdam when Feyenoord surprisingly trounced Kompany’s men 3-0 in matchday seven of Europe’s elite club competition which ultimately ended hopes of Bayern finishing in the top eight.
Celtic will experience knockout stage football in the Champions League on Wednesday evening at Paradise for the first time since 2012/2013.
Celtic supporters permitted to attend return leg at Allianz Arena
There was also welcome news yesterday after UEFA opted against banning Celtic supporters for the return leg in Bavaria following a pyrotechnic being lobbed onto the pitch at Villa Park in Birmingham 10 days ago.
With the Hoops playing tonight versus Raith Rovers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup, it is expected Brendan Rodgers will make several changes where the Irishman will almost certainly have one eye on next week’s highly anticipated clash.
Conor Spence
