In a highly charged UEFA Champions League playoff first leg at Celtic Park, Bayern Munich edged out Celtic with a 2-1 victory. The match was marred by controversial refereeing decisions that have left Celtic fans and players alike questioning the officiating.
Early Disallowed Goal
The game began with a lightning-fast attack from Celtic, as Nicolas Kühn found the back of the net within the first 30 seconds. However, the goal was disallowed after VAR intervention, citing Adam Idah’s offside position obstructing Bayern’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. This decision dampened the early enthusiasm of the home crowd.
Bayern’s Dominance and Celtic’s Resilience
Bayern capitalized on their reprieve, with Michael Olise breaking the deadlock just before halftime. Harry Kane extended the lead early in the second half, seemingly putting the visitors in control. Despite the setback, Celtic displayed resilience, and Daizen Maeda’s header in the 78th minute rekindled hope for the Scottish side. The match concluded with Bayern holding a slender advantage, leaving the tie open for the return leg.
Controversial Penalty Decision
A pivotal moment arose when Celtic’s Arne Engels was brought down in the penalty area by Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano. The referee, Jesús Gil Manzano, initially waved play on but was prompted by VAR to review the incident. After a prolonged examination, he upheld his original decision, denying Celtic a penalty. UEFA later clarified that Upamecano had played the ball fairly before the contact occurred. This interpretation has been met with widespread debate.
Expert Opinions
Former German international Michael Ballack expressed his disagreement with the referee’s decision, suggesting that the foul impeded Engels’ opportunity to play the ball. Similarly, ex-referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy opined that a penalty should have been awarded, emphasizing that contact with the ball does not negate the subsequent foul. These perspectives have intensified discussions about the consistency and application of VAR in crucial match situations.
Looking Ahead
As the teams prepare for the second leg at the Allianz Arena, Celtic faces the daunting task of overturning the deficit on German soil. The controversies from the first leg have undoubtedly added fuel to their determination, setting the stage for a compelling encounter.
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