“They’ve got a chance” – pundit backs Celtic to shock Bayern Munich
“They’ve got a chance” – pundit backs Celtic to shock Bayern Munich
After Celtic’s 6-0 demolition of Dundee, pundit Michael Stewart has boldly claimed that the Hoops “have a chance” of pulling off a Champions League upset when they face Bayern Munich in the play-off round next week.
Celtic will host Bayern at Celtic Park in the first leg before heading to Germany for the return fixture. While doubts remain over whether Celtic fans will be able to attend the away leg due to UEFA’s disciplinary situation, Stewart believes Brendan Rodgers’ side could be ready to cause a shock.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound after Celtic’s thumping win, Stewart highlighted the competition within the squad as a key factor that could give the Hoops an edge against the German giants.
“You get the sense that with that big game on the horizon, there are a lot of Celtic players that are trying to stake a claim and say that they should be playing.
“And that is a wonderful thing for a manager to have.”
“And that’s what they need, they need that.”
“If they have that, they’ve got a chance.”
Celtic are flying domestically, now 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership, and their recent performances—especially the six-goal rout against Dundee—show that the team is clicking at the right time.
With players like Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda, Jota, and Nicolas Kühn all hitting form, Rodgers has selection headaches for the right reasons, with intense competition for starting spots driving up performance levels.
Maeda will miss the first leg through suspension, though.
Celtic’s record at home in Europe is strong over the past 18 months or so, with big nights under the lights at Parkhead often bringing out the best in the team. If the Hoops can produce one of those iconic performances in Glasgow, Stewart’s belief in an upset might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
With the team in form, a packed Celtic Park behind them, and players desperate to impress, Rodgers’ side might just have more than a puncher’s chance when they face the German giants.
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