Bayern survive late pressure to snatch 2-1 win at Celtic

Agency:

Bayern Munich scored either side of half-time through Michael Olise and Harry Kane but had to endure late pressure from hosts Celtic before securing a 2-1 victory in their Champions League play-off first leg on Wednesday.

Olise’s stunning shot in the 45th minute put the German side in front and Kane doubled the lead with a 49t-minute volley at the far post.

Celtic, who put the ball in the net with Nicolas Kuehn, but had the effort ruled offside in the very first minute of the game, cut the deficit in the 79th minute thanks to Daizen Maeda’s close-range header to inject late drama into the match.

“There were definitely areas in the game in which we could have done better and we’ll need to improve for next week, but overall we scored at the right times,” Kane said.

“They put us under pressure at the end and we had to stay strong, which we did. Whenever you win a game like this, you’re always pleased because it’s not an easy place to come,” the England striker added.

The visitors, bidding to reach this year’s final to be played in their own Allianz Arena in Munich, had close to 70 percent possession in the first half but struggled with Celtic’s disciplined backline.
Bayern did have a chance through Kane but it took a superb effort from Olise to break the deadlock on the stroke of halftime.

The attacking midfielder controlled a deep cross from Dayot Upamecano, cut in and hammered an unstoppable shot into the top corner.