Bayern Munich end Celtic’s hopes of progressing to next round of Champions League

CELTIC exited the Champions League on their shields after a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in a pulsating encounter at Parkhead.

A costly moment of slack play in the 22nd minute allowed French star Kingsley Coman to open the scoring and blight an encouraging first-half performance by Brendan Rodgers’ side.

https://www.sundaypost.com/sport/football/rodgers-proud-of-celtics-development-at-the-highest-level/

However, Celtic roared back after the break and Callum McGregor deservedly levelled in the 74th only for midfielder Javi Martinez to restore the German giants’ lead three minutes later meaning that with two Group B fixtures remaining, the Scottish champions have only three points from 12 and cannot qualify for the knockout stages.

What they said

?️ #CelticFC boss Brendan Rodgers speaking after #CELFCB. pic.twitter.com/JHx8YVuB6n

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 31, 2017

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “We are disappointed to have lost but there are so many positives from the game. I am pleased with the way we worked the ball and it is another step for us to being a competitive side but playing proper football at this level.”Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes: “Celtic played an amazing game. The fans were a super support and it was a wonderful experience for us here.”

Star man

Kingsley Coman turned in a fine performance (Tim Goode/Empics)

Kingsley Coman. James Forrest and Stuart Armstrong put in fine performances for the home side but Coman was a class apart. The France striker had been instrumental in Bayern’s 3-0 win against Celtic earlier in the month. Aside from capitalising on Celtic’s slackness in the first half to score, the lively Coman always looked to create and threaten.

Moment of the match

Stuart Armstrong missed a sitter after just a few minutes when he failed to connect properly with a James Forrest cross from only a few yards out. The Scotland midfielder knew immediately he should have scored and although he recovered to have a fine game, Celtic fans can only wonder what might have happened had he done so although it was a fine performance nonetheless by the Scottish champions.

View from the bench

Jupp #Heynckes: "We had good foundations tonight and we played well tactically. The boys got stuck in." #CELFCB pic.twitter.com/IQsUpvv4XR

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) October 31, 2017

Boss Brendan Rodgers hoped that his Celtic side would soon find “a big result” in the Champions League and they came so close. That the home supporters gave their side a round of applause after defeat shows how much they appreciated the efforts of the Scottish champions. Veteran coach Jupp Heynckes vowed to find a “solution” to his side’s injury problems which had left him without a recognised main striker and while making six changes he fielded James Rordriguez. Bayern were rattled by Celtic but came through in the end.

Player ratings

Great stadium and outstanding atmosphere. Loved it. Hopefully till next time @celticfc pic.twitter.com/ENvmRWXYF9

— Mats Hummels (@matshummels) October 31, 2017

Celtic: Craig Gordon: 6 (out of 10), Mikael Lustig 6, Dedryck Boyata 5, Nir Bitton 6, Kieran Tierney 7, Scott Brown 7, Stuart Armstrong 8, James Forrest 8, Callum McGregor 8, Scott Sinclair 6, Moussa Dembele 7. Substitutes: Tom Rogic (on for Sinclair 64) 6, Leigh Griffiths (on for Armstrong 79) 6.

Bayern Munich: Sven Ulreich 7, Niklas Sule 6, Javi Martínez 6, Arjen Robben 6, James Rodríguez 6, Rafinha 7, Jerome Boateng 6, Arturo Vidal 7, Corentin Tolisso 6, David Alaba 8, Kingsley Coman 8. Substitutes: Sebastian Rudy: (on for Vidal 59) 6, Joshua Kimmich (on for Tolisso 83) 5, Thiago (on for Robben 90) 6.