Everybody recognises the fact that Bayern Munich are overwhelming favourites when they take on Celtic in the knockout phase of the Champions League. The first leg of the tie will be played at Parkhead this week and it is the Hoops' best opportunity to get something out of this. Of course, the second leg will be at the Allianz Arena next year, where many clubs have been handed heavy defeats over the years, including the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal.
Celtic's best hope is getting something out of the first leg and then making things difficult with a low block in the second. They have shown that they can be compact at the back against top opposition.
Celtic managed to get a goalless draw away in Italy against Atalanta. They are the second-highest scorers in the Serie A right now, a league known for its defensive rigidity.
So, the Hoops should not be counted out before a ball is kicked. Yet, the Bundesliga's official website has come out with an article listing 5 reasons why Bayern Munich will progress against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.
Celtic won't like Bundesliga website's article about them
One can only hope that the Celtic players and coaches use this as extra motivation going into the game. It does seem like a lot of people are counting them out against Bayern Munich already.
They do not have happy memories from their last trip to Germany. They lost 7-1 against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park earlier in the season.
Hopefully, they learnt a lot of lessons on that day and are much better prepared to face Bayern Munich. Their form lately seems to have picked up a bit as well.
Over the last two games, Celtic have scored 11 unanswered goals. Unfortunately, their best performer on both occasions, Daizen Maeda, won't be available for the first leg against Bayern Munich.