The UEFA Champions League playoff stage delivers an exciting matchup as Celtic host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their knockout round playoff at Celtic Park on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. This clash pits the Scottish champions, back in the Champions League knockouts for the first time since 2013, against the German giants, who are looking to advance to the Round of 16. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including predictions, live stream details, predicted lineups, odds, and where to watch online.
#### Match Overview
Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, have been dominant at home this season, remaining unbeaten at Celtic Park across all competitions. However, they face a formidable challenge in Bayern Munich, who finished the Champions League league phase in 12th place, just one point shy of automatic qualification. Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, have struggled on the road in Europe, winning only one of their four away matches in the league phase. This matchup promises intensity, with Celtic relying on their home advantage and Bayern aiming to leverage their attacking firepower.
#### Prediction
Bayern Munich are favored to win, with Opta’s supercomputer giving them a 48.2% chance of victory, compared to Celtic’s 27.7% and a 24.1% chance of a draw. Bayern’s attacking stars, including Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, are expected to test Celtic’s defense, which conceded 14 goals in the league phase. Despite Celtic’s strong home form, Bayern’s quality and depth should see them secure a 2-1 victory in this first leg, giving them an edge heading into the return leg at Allianz Arena.
#### Predicted Lineups
- **Celtic (4-3-3):** Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Forrest
- Key Notes: Celtic will be without suspended top scorer Daizen Maeda and have sold Kyogo Furuhashi, leaving Adam Idah to lead the attack. Nicolas Kuhn’s creativity (10 chances created following carries in the league phase) will be crucial.
- **Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):** Neuer; Laimer, Kim, Upamecano, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Sane; Kane
- Key Notes: Bayern will miss Joao Palhinha due to illness, while Alphonso Davies remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Harry Kane, with six goals in the league phase, and Jamal Musiala, who has scored six career European goals, will be central to Bayern’s attack.
#### Odds (via DraftKings)
- Moneyline: Bayern Munich (-260), Celtic (+185), Draw (+400)
- Prediction Bets: Bayern to win by three goals (5/1, BoyleSports), Harry Kane to score two or more goals (3/1, Betfred), Jamal Musiala to score or assist (-120, DraftKings)
- Posts on X highlight similar odds, with Bayern favored at 1.33 (Betfair) and Celtic at up to 7.50 (Bwin & Unibet).
#### Where to Watch Online
- **Date and Time:** Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM EST, 12:00 PM PST)
- **Location:** Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
- **TV and Live Stream:**
- **US:** Paramount+, ViX
- **UK:** TNT Sports, Discovery+ app
- **Australia:** Stan Sport (live from 6:35 AM AEDT, exclusive and ad-free)
- **Global Options:** Check Sofascore for legal live stream partners and TV channels broadcasting the match.
- Posts on X confirm Paramount+ and ViX for US viewers, with Stan Sport for Australian audiences.
#### Key Storylines
- **Celtic’s Home Advantage:** Celtic Park is known for its electric atmosphere, and the Hoops will need their fans’ support to challenge Bayern. Their unbeaten home record this season adds intrigue, but Bayern’s quality poses their toughest test yet.
- **Bayern’s Road Struggles:** Bayern’s three losses in the league phase (Aston Villa, Barcelona, Feyenoord) all came away from home. A loss here would mark the first time they’ve lost four away matches in a single European campaign.
- **Player to Watch:** Harry Kane’s recent form (six goals in his last four matches, including braces in his last two) makes him a significant threat. For Celtic, Nicolas Kuhn’s ability to create chances could be pivotal.
#### Final Thoughts
This matchup is a David vs. Goliath battle, with Celtic aiming to upset the odds and Bayern looking to assert their dominance. While Celtic’s home form gives them hope, Bayern’s attacking prowess and experience in European competition make them the likely winners. Tune in for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Champions League playoff stage.
For more updates, follow the action live on Standard Sport’s match blog or check Sofascore for real-time scores and statistics.