Bayern edge Celtic 2-1 in Champions League playoff thriller

GLASGOW: Bayern Munich secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Celtic in their Champions League playoff first leg on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane.

Olise opened the scoring with a stunning shot just before halftime, giving the German giants the lead in the 45th minute. Kane doubled Bayern’s advantage with a clinical volley at the far post in the 49th minute.

Celtic, who had an early effort from Nicolas Kuehn ruled offside, fought back in the 79th minute as Daizen Maeda’s close-range header brought the hosts back into the contest. Despite late pressure from Celtic, Bayern held firm to take a valuable lead into the second leg.

Reflecting on the victory, Kane said, “We scored at the right times… They put us under pressure at the end and we had to stay strong, which we did.”

Bayern, who dominated possession but struggled to break down Celtic’s disciplined defense, will look to seal their place in the Champions League final, set to be played at their home ground, Allianz Arena.