Celtic’s heartbreak at Bayern and Champions League playoff chaos: Football Weekly
Feb 19, 2025
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This discussion dives into Celtic's heart-wrenching clash with Bayern Munich, highlighting their commendable effort yet heartbreaking exit from the Champions League. The speakers analyze surprising Champions League outcomes and the implications for clubs like Spurs and United. They also explore emotional highs from various thrilling matches, including Club Brugge’s stunning play against Atalanta. Additionally, they debate refereeing controversies and review the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Aston Villa vs. Liverpool matchup, alongside Everton's new stadium reveal.
54:52
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Quick takeaways
Celtic's strong performance against Bayern highlighted their skill and resilience, but ultimately ended in heartbreak due to a last-minute goal.
Bayern Munich's disorganized play raised concerns about their competitiveness in upcoming fixtures despite their narrow victory over Celtic.
Club Brugge's unexpected win against Atalanta showcased their impressive tactics and potential to challenge established European teams effectively.
Deep dives
Celtic's Heartbreaking Performance
Celtic delivered a strong performance against Bayern Munich, showcasing their skill and determination throughout the match. Despite missing several key scoring opportunities early on, including notable chances by Callum McGregor and Maeda, they demonstrated resilience in maintaining a solid defensive line. The match took a dramatic turn in injury time when Bayern’s Alphonso Davies scored, crushing Celtic's hopes of advancing in the Champions League. This loss highlighted the frustration of Celtic fans, who have grown weary of the club's near misses in sensitive matches on the European stage.
Bayern Munich's Underwhelming Form
Bayern Munich's players, including well-known talents like Musiala and Gnabry, underperformed throughout the game, often appearing disorganized and giving away possession to Celtic. Their lack of cohesion was noticeable, with fans and commentators alike questioning their capabilities to dominate the match, especially considering their recent poor performance against Bayer Leverkusen. This inconsistency raises concerns about their prospects in upcoming fixtures, as they struggle to find a rhythm in an intense league and cup competition period. The victory over Celtic, albeit lucky, does not fully mask these underlying issues.
Club Brugge's Stunning Upset
Club Brugge pulled off an unexpected victory against Atalanta, demonstrating impressive attacking prowess and tactical discipline. They capitalized on their first-leg advantages and executed a game plan focused on quick transitions and effective pressing, resulting in a commanding 3-0 win at Bergamo. Notable performances included that of 19-year-old Talby, who scored twice, finishing emphatically under pressure. This victory showcases Brugge's potential to compete against more established European teams, sending them into the knockout stages with renewed confidence.
Feyenoord's Remarkable Comeback
Feyenoord managed a crucial comeback against AC Milan after conceding an early goal, responding with resilience and tactical acumen. Despite numerous injury woes and a youthful squad, Feyenoord executed their game plan effectively, leading to a decisive 2-1 victory. The moment of turning in the match came when Milan's Theo Hernandez received a red card for a dive, altering the dynamics and allowing Feyenoord to assert control. The win not only reflects Feyenoord's growth as a competitive side in European football but also serves as a testament to their determination against higher-budget opponents.
Benfica's Thrilling Draw with Monaco
Benfica’s exhilarating match against Monaco ended in a 3-3 draw, with Benfica advancing on aggregate despite an intense back-and-forth encounter. Early goals for both teams set a frantic pace, with Monaco’s Ademola Lukman playing a significant role in their resurgence, displaying immense skill and determination. Benfica's response came through key moments, including a penalty that shifted the momentum back in their favor. The thrilling nature of this fixture highlights the unpredictability of knockout tournaments and the excitement that comes from both teams vying for advancement.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Paul Watson, Nick Ames, Ewan Murray and Jim Burke to discuss the latest Champions League playoff games, Everton’s new ground and much more. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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