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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Celtic ratings v Bayern as Kuhn scores historic goal, Schmeichel's saves not enough

Bayern Munich scored in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time to break Celtic's hearts just as it looked like Nicolas Kuhn had kept their UEFA Champions League last-16 hopes alive.

Celtic started extremely well and had multiple opportunities to go in front, with Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Kuhn all spurring chances within the opening 20 minutes. 

Rodgers' men went into the half-time break level, and deservingly so, as they more than matched their German hosts. And it was Kuhn who finally took one of Celtic's chances to send send the Scottish Premiership leaders on the brink of extra-time.

But it wasn't to be as Bayern Munich substitute Alphonso Davies pounded in what was almost the last kick of the ball to equalise for the hosts and send his team through as 3-2 winners on aggregate. 

Here's how the Celtic players rated on a heartbreaking night at the Allianz Arena...

Kasper Schmeichel: Little to do until Kane stung his palms midway through the first-half. However, the experienced Dane looked a relieved man when the same player struck the woodwork from around the penalty spot just before the interval. Prevented Goretzka from giving Bayern the lead seconds after the restart. Much busier second half, particularly once Kuhn scored and the hosts continued to penetrate his goal.

(Image: Andrew Milligan - PA) Appeared to have made a top save to stop Goretska but he was unable to keep the rebound out from substitute Davies in the final minute of injury time. Stood with the pain evident in his eyes at full-time, summering an agonising end for the Hoops goalkeeper and his cohorts, with his dad, Peter, watching on from the stands. Still looks a top player even at 37-years-old. 8

Alistair Johnston: Kept on his toes by Bayern's threat on the left-hand side. Guerreiro and Gnabry were a constant handful, with the Celtic defender having to be alert to stop an opener occurring from his area after just three minutes. Allowed Goretzka to head wide when he should've been more touch-tight. Otherwise, worked extremely hard. 7

Cameron Carter-Vickers: Not the easiest task dealing with one of the best strikers in world football, so to limit Bayern and Kane to very little opportunities will have pleased the USA international. Especially since the Bayern striker was withdrawn at the break. Alert with the crosses coming in from either side as the game progressed until the very, very last instance when his efforts to stop Davies reacting to Schmeichel's save wasn't enough. A real tough moment to take. 7

(Image: Andrew Milligan - PA) Auston Trusty: Exhibited strong, no-nonsense defending by sliding into tackles and confidently stepping in front of his central defensive partner on occasion. Some nervy moments for the entire defence during the latter stages as Bayern racked up corner after corner. 7

Jeffrey Schlupp: Chosen at left-back instead of Taylor, Celtic's deadline day recruit found himself up against his former Crystal Palace teammate Olise. Put in multiple recovery blocks and also used his experience to win the most duels in the match, limiting his old buddy to very little joy. 8

Callum McGregor: The Celtic captain had his team's first real opportunity of the night with seven minutes gone. He did excellently to win the ball and take a shot at goal, but unfortunately, it was off target. Had the Celtic midfield really well organised and it was a testament to why they probably exceeded many people's expectations with their extremely competitive performance. 8

Arne Engels: Showed his ability to pick a pass early on when he almost found Maeda with a through ball within the opening exchanges. For just 21-years-old, the former Augsburg kid seems to play with a wise head on these European nights. 7

(Image: Andrew Milligan - PA) Reo Hatate: Involved much more than he was six days earlier in the reverse leg. Had to cover an incredible amount of ground to prevent Bayern from playing through Celtic too easily. Epitomised everything good about his side on their travels. 7

Nicolas Kühn: Couldn't believe his luck when he was found unmarked at the back-post on 16 minutes and probably should've took a shot on first time. He chose to take a touch, which allowed the Bayern defender to adjust his body and clear the ball on the line. Made up for it by bullying Min-jae and giving Celtic a deserved lead on 63 minutes, sending the ball coolly beyond a helpless Neuer. Substituted not long afterwards due to cramp. 9

Daizen Maeda: A constant live-wire in the Celtic attack after being picked ahead of Idah to lead the line. Never gave up on any ball that was launched in his direction and his ability to press with intent displayed exactly why Rodgers is keen to use him more centrally. Played the ball beautifully into Kuhn's path for Celtic's opener. 8

Jota: Helped track back and gave Schlupp support at every opportunity, which probably stifled his attacking influence throughout the first half. Threatening when allowed to dribble forward, though. 7

Substitutes: 

Adam Idah (For Jota, 60): Got involved right away even though the dynamic of the tie changed drastically shortly after his introduction. 6

Hun-Jun Yang (For Kuhn, 69): Emulated Maeda's hungriness by putting in a power of effort. Looks to have come on leaps and bounds over the past few months after it felt he may struggle to remain part of Celtic's first team plans. 6

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