In a dramatic Champions League playoff second leg on February 18, 2025, Bayern Munich and Celtic drew 1-1 at the Allianz Arena, resulting in Bayern advancing 3-2 on aggregate. The match was marked by intense on-field action and post-match controversies, particularly surrounding Celtic’s forward, Nicolas Kühn, and pundit Alan Shearer’s analysis.
Match Overview
Celtic entered the match trailing 2-1 from the first leg but showcased resilience and tactical discipline. The first half was a stalemate, with both teams creating limited clear-cut opportunities. Bayern’s Harry Kane came closest, hitting the crossbar just before halftime. Celtic broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Nicolas Kühn capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past Manuel Neuer to level the aggregate score. However, in stoppage time, Alphonso Davies secured Bayern’s progression by netting a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel saved Leon Goretzka’s header. 
Alan Shearer’s Controversial Analysis
Post-match, Alan Shearer, serving as a commentator for Amazon Prime, provided an analysis that has since sparked significant backlash from the Celtic fanbase. Shearer critiqued Kühn’s performance, suggesting that despite his goal, the forward lacked consistency and failed to capitalize on additional opportunities that could have altered the match’s outcome. This critique did not sit well with Celtic supporters, who took to social media to express their discontent. Many fans questioned Shearer’s understanding of Celtic’s dynamics and accused him of undermining Kühn’s contributions. The choice of Shearer as a commentator was already under scrutiny, with fans expressing dissatisfaction over his perceived lack of connection to either club. 
Fan Reactions
The Celtic community’s response has been fervent. Supporters argue that Shearer’s analysis was unduly harsh and failed to acknowledge the collective effort and strategic execution displayed by the team. Some fans have called for broadcasters to select pundits with a more nuanced understanding of Scottish football and Celtic’s ethos. The incident has ignited discussions about the role of commentators and the importance of informed, balanced analysis in football broadcasting.
Looking Ahead
Despite the heartbreak of elimination, Celtic’s performance against a European heavyweight like Bayern Munich has showcased their growth and potential on the continental stage. Manager Brendan Rodgers emphasized the positives, noting the team’s ability to challenge top-tier opponents and expressing optimism for future campaigns. As Celtic refocus on domestic competitions, the experience gained from this European outing is poised to fortify their resolve and ambition moving forward.
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