Davies Shatters Dreams as Bayern Munich Edge Out Celtic in Champions League Thriller

In a dramatic conclusion, a last-minute goal from Alphonso Davies propelled Bayern Munich into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), as the Canadian substitute equalised following a strike from Nicolas Kuhn, overshadowing what was otherwise an impressive display from Celtic.

Aiming for an unforgettable European evening, Celtic squandered three golden opportunities to take the lead in a frantic three-minute span during the first half.

Kuhn was the first to pose a threat, capitalising on brilliant interplay from Jota, yet his shot was heroically cleared off the line by Raphael Guerreiro. Moments later, Kuhn delivered a low cross through the box, but Daizen Maeda failed to connect as he struggled with his footing.

Bayern appeared rattled, with Dayot Upamecano particularly culpable for a careless giveaway while attempting to play out from the back. However, the visitors failed to capitalise on a promising three-on-two break when Maeda chose to shoot instead of passing to his supporting teammates.

Although they were largely outplayed, Celtic showed flashes of quality and nearly found the breakthrough goal that could have secured their advancement to the next round.

In the opening minutes, Michael Olise set up a cross for Serge Gnabry at the back post, but Alistair Johnston made a timely intervention to thwart the former Arsenal forward’s efforts.

Just before half-time, Harry Kane rattled the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the box, reminding Brendan Rodgers’ side that even a below-par Bayern remained dangerous.

Kane was substituted at half-time and didn’t return, but despite lacking in attacking options, Bayern created a golden opportunity shortly after the break. Kasper Schmeichel, however, was quick off his line to make a crucial save against Leon Goretzka.

Despite discussions around Bayern’s limited attacking depth, it was a defensive blunder that saw them fall behind. Both Joshua Kimmich and Kim Min-Jae failed to clear their lines, which allowed Kuhn to race towards goal and slot the ball past Manuel Neuer, bringing the tie level.

Going behind seemed to galvanise Vincent Kompany’s men, as Schmeichel was forced into a series of excellent saves, notably denying efforts from Goretzka and Kimmich.

As the match seemed destined for extra time, Davies was in the right place to pounce on a rebound following a stunning save from Schmeichel off a Goretzka header in the dying moments of the game.

This late goal sealed Celtic’s fate, sending them crashing out of the UCL despite their spirited performance in Bavaria. Meanwhile, Bayern await the draw on Friday to discover whether they will face Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid.