The second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Bayern Munich (Germany) and Celtic (Scotland) will take place on February 18 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The score of the first match was 2-1 in favor of Bayern. Bayern vs. Celtic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Bayern Munich
The Munich side returned from Scotland with a victory, marking their fifth win in the last six Champions League matches. However, Bayern has conceded in four consecutive games in this tournament. In the return leg, the Germans only need to avoid defeat. It is also worth noting that in the current Champions League season, Vincent Kompany's team has lost three times, but all these matches were played away.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Bayern's last 7 Champions League games.
- The team has not lost at home in this tournament in 20 matches (16 wins, 4 draws).
- Bayern opened the scoring in 6 of their last 7 home Champions League games.
Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Konrad Laimer – Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané – Harry Kane.
Celtic
In the game against Bayern, the Scots managed to pull one back shortly before the final whistle, extending their scoring streak in the Champions League to three matches. However, it was the first time Brendan Rodgers' team lost two consecutive matches in this tournament. To advance to the round of 16, Celtic needs to win by at least two goals in regular time. If they defeat Bayern by exactly one goal, extra time will be played. It's worth mentioning that Celtic has only won once in their last five Champions League matches (against Young Boys, 1-0).
- In 5 of their last 7 Champions League games, the team has not conceded more than one goal.
- Celtic has not won away in this tournament for 12 matches (5 draws and 7 losses in regular time).
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of Celtic's last 7 away games in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Celtic (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel – Greg Taylor, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Alistair Johnston – Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate – Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kühn, Jota.
Forward James Forrest and midfielder Paulo Bernardo are unavailable due to injury.
Referee
Benoit Bastien (France)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 38%.
Bayern Munich vs. Celtic: Match Prediction
In the first leg, Bayern led by two goals and then decided to conserve energy, allowing their opponent to reduce the deficit. However, the goal scored is unlikely to help Brendan Rodgers' side in this encounter. Celtic's away form in the Champions League is dreadful, having gone 12 matches without a win. The last time they won away in the main draw of the Champions League was in 2017. Bayern, unbeaten at home in the Champions League for 20 matches, should have no trouble securing their place in the round of 16.
Due to the favorable result of the first match, the Munich team is unlikely to play at full force. Moreover, Bayern rarely delivers a goal fest at the Allianz Arena, as seen in the match against Dinamo Zagreb, with no more than 4 goals scored in 8 of their last 9 Champions League games. I am confident that Vincent Kompany's team will calmly control the match, preventing Celtic from creating any danger at their goal. Furthermore, the Scots have failed to score in 5 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament.
My prediction: Bayern will not lose and Total under 4.5 goals
