Celtic took a while to really get going against Bayern Munich in the Champions League this evening.
Well, they did after hitting the back of the net within 30 seconds, that is.
Nicolas Kuhn‘s goal did not count after an offside ruling but Bayern settled into the action after that early scare to take the lead through Michael Olise.
It was an error from Greg Taylor before Alistair Johnston made one of his own by leaving Harry Kane unmarked inside the area for the second goal.
Daizen Maeda struck goal number 22 for his season to reduce the deficit at 2-1 to Bayern and keep the tie alive heading to Germany next week, but manager Brendan Rodgers was left scratching his head at his team’s defending for the ultimate winner.
Kane had the freedom of Glasgow to volley home from a set-piece inside the six-yard box.
And Rodgers was frustrated. Speaking on TNT Sports the Irishman reflected on the game and the goals.
- READ MORE: Chris Sutton reacts to Celtic’s defeat to Bayern Munich and what happened after Harry Kane’s goal
Kane was left unmarked by Celtic’s defenders
He said: “We looked like we got off to the perfect start with a fantastic goal, sadly it wasn’t given.
“We had a couple of moments in the counter-attack but my overriding feeling was that even though we didn’t give away much, we were a little bit passive in our pressing.
“We still feel we were stable enough, then they get a bit of luck right on half-time when the ball ricochets to young Michael (Olise) who has the quality so he finishes.
“For us it was still about being more aggressive, we then give away a goal and I said to the guys after it, in our corners and everything else we’ve been very good normally, but the one player you don’t leave unmarked is arguably the best striker in world football.
“Harry finishes it really well, 2-0.”
Celtic’s ‘aggression’ changed the Bayern Munich tie
Rodgers was pleased with how his Celtic squad reacted after he made changes with around 25 minutes to go on the clock.
Yang came on and offered a lot in terms of creativity while Daizen went through the middle in Adam Idah’s stead and scored while also forcing nervousness from the opposition defence.
That is what Rodgers had been looking for from his team from the outset.
And he reckons the goal has kept the Hoops in the competition even if the second-leg in Germany will be even tougher.
“I thought the last 25 minutes we started to press the game after changes and were more active at the top end of the pitch and you see what it brought,” he added.
“It brought an aggression and the football starts to come alive and we get the goal. At 2-1 Bayern Munich are hanging on then.
“We’ve got one more shot, it’s a new level for a lot of players who have done absolutely great.
“We have one last shot at a fantastic arena and pitch, let’s go and have no regrets and see where it takes us.”
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