Full Time: Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Celtic were sent out of this season’s UEFA Champions League, following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in their fourth group fixture, at the Celtic Park, on Tuesday night.
It was the visitors who took the lead, with 22 minutes on the clock, as a defensive error from Dedryck Boyata allowed Kingsley Coman through on goal, the Frenchman making no mistake. With 74 minutes played, Celtic fought their way back through midfielder Callum McGregor, who scores the equaliser. However, the parity lasted for only three minutes as Javi Martinez headed in a David Alaba cross to seal the victory of Die Roten.
Brendan Rodgers’ side will be disappointed with the result, but with their Champions League fate sealed, they will now concentrate on confirming their participation in the UEFA Europa League, by finishing third in the group, with two more games left to play.
And here’s how the Celtic players fared on the night.
Celtic Player Ratings
Craig Gordon – 5/10
Came out too far from his line for Coman’s goal, not a lot he could do about the second one. Made a good save from James Rodriguez in the second half.
Mikael Lustig – 7/10
A solid performance on the night from the Swedish right-back, who kept things under check throughout the game.
Nir Bitton – 7/10
Allowed Martinez to rise above him for the winner, but apart from that blip, he did not put a foot wrong all night. One of his better performances in the makeshift centre-half role, filled with aggression and intent.
Dedryck Boyata – 6/10
His huge error, when he failed to clear the ball, let Coman through on goal for the opener. Other than that, he had a fairly solid outing.
Kieran Tierney – 8/10
Was brilliant defensively against Arjen Robben, forcing the Bayern manager to put the Dutchman on the opposite flank after the break. Dealt well with Coman too. And there were some very good crosses into the box going forward as well.
Scott Brown – 7.5/10
Dominated the midfield filled with world class players, to some extent. Broke up play nicely and never really allowed the visitors to get into their groove.
Stuart Armstrong – 7/10
Missed a great chance just four minutes into the game, after being found by James Forrest. Tested the Bayern keeper with a good strike after the break. Linked up well and was alert to any danger as well.
James Forrest – 8.5/10
Celtic’s best player on the park without a doubt. Was a danger with his pace and directness, and kept finding his teammates in dangerous positions. Put in a shift defensively as well, helping out Lustig against Coman.
Callum McGregor – 7/10
Did not see a lot of the ball in the initial stages, but pressed well from the front. Scored the equaliser with a cool finish between the keeper’s legs.
Scott Sinclair – 5/10
Wasn’t shy of doing his defensive duties, but had very little influence on the game in his primary task of attacking.
Moussa Dembele – 6/10
Beat Jerome Boateng with his pace, but fired his shot wide of the goal. Worked hard all night, with little reward.
Substitutes
Tom Rogic – 5/10
Replaced Sinclair at the hour mark. Didn’t stick with Alaba in the lead up to the second goal.
Leigh Griffiths – N/A
On for Armstrong for the final ten minutes or so.