Celtic’s Heroic Effort Falls Short as Bayern Escape with Aggregate Win

Celtic fell heartbreakingly short of pulling off a huge upset against Bayern Munich, with Alphonso Davies smothering their hopes late on. The Scottish team delivered a strong performance away from home, displaying both fight and quality as they looked to overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit. 

They were even ahead, thanks to former Bayern player Nicolas Kuhn, which meant they were level on aggregate and on the brink of extra time. For long stretches, Bayern appeared listless and stifled, as if Celtic’s dream of a famous victory was not entirely out of reach.

But in classic Bayern style, they managed to get out alive. With the game approaching 90 minutes, the German giants pushed everyone forward, a flurry of intent, and it was rewarded. 

Kasper Schmeichel saved a header from Leon Goretzka, but the rebound fell perfectly for Davies, who slotted home at the last kick of the game. 

A dramatic and cruel conclusion to the contest for Celtic — who had battled so heroically — but Bayern’s last equalizer took them through to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate win.