Celtic are getting ready to welcome Bayern Munich to Parkhead for what might very well be the biggest game of their season. The Hoops made it past the opening round of the Champions League for the first time since 2013 only to be handed one of the most difficult ties possible. Now, it remains to be seen how they navigate the two legs against Germany's best team.
Celtic have faced a couple of German teams in the Champions League already this season. The trip to Signal Iduna Park to face Borussia Dortmund was an absolute nightmare and one that every fan has tried to forget since.
On the other hand, they were much more successful when RB Leipzig visited Celtic Park later in the season. The Hoops won 3-1 with Nicolas Kuhn scoring a brace.
Bayern Munich are better than both of those teams. And their manager, Vincent Kompany, seems to be looking forward to his side's visit to Celtic Park. As reported by Glasgow World, he said:
"It’s certainly going to be special for us and for the fans. Celtic Park, in my experience, it was one of the loudest stadiums I ever played in. We can enjoy the atmosphere.
“There was a lot of talk about the two extra games added to the schedule, but now everyone is looking forward to it. These kind of games are special, they are great opportunities to feel something very special.
“I’m happy to live through these moments. It will be an amazing Champions League night."
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany makes superb Celtic Park claim
Of course, Kompany has experience of playing at Celtic Park as do a few of the Bayern Munich players. His team will benefit from that.
If Celtic are to have any hope of making it past Bayern Munich and getting to the next round of the Champions League, they will have to make the most of their home game. They have pulled off some huge upsets at Parkhead before. Teams like AC Milan, Manchester United and Barcelona have lost in Glasgow. This might be the time for the Hoops to pull another rabbit out of the magic hat.
That is significantly easier said than done. At the end of the day, one has to recognise that Bayern Munich are overwhelming favourites going into this tie.