Celtic fans are furious after getting knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
But not for the reasons you think, as Brendan Rodgers’ side provided the biggest of scares to the German giants at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.
Bayern Munich led Celtic 2-1 from the first leg and many were expecting the home side to progress comfortably, especially given their home record.
In the last ten years, only Real Madrid twice, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have won in Bavaria in the Champions League, so that was the task awaiting Celtic.
But after the hour mark, Nicolas Kuhn was wheeling away in celebration because he had opened the scoring after some brilliant work from Daizen Maeda.
The champions of Scotland were deservedly in front, and in truth, they should have scored more had they not spurned many chances in the first half.
Then, with seconds left on the clock, the game was heading towards extra time, before Alphonso Davies broke Celtic hearts and netted the defining goal of the tie.
The Celtic players were on the floor, it was utter heartbreak, but then footage started to emerge on social media after the match involving Maeda and opposition centre-back, Dayot Upamecano.
READ MORE: What Harry Kane said post-match after being subbed off for Bayern Munich against Celtic
Dayot Upamecano appears to foul Daizen Maeda in the build-up to Alphonso Davies’ goal
Whilst everyone in Celtic colours was heartbroken at Bayern scoring, many seemed to have missed a foul on Maeda by Upamecano and how it wasn’t looked at by VAR.
The ball was contested in the air following a goal kick, the ball was settling down on the floor when Maeda made a run in behind and Upamecano appeared to elbow his opponent to the ground.
Maeda isn’t the type to go to ground easily, but he lay on the floor and nothing was given, nor checked by VAR, as Bayern went up the other end and scored.
As you can imagine, it didn’t sit well with the supporters and Gabby Agbonlahor was sympathising with them on talkSPORT.
“On the lead-up to that goal,” said the Celtic fan. “I am absolutely furious because Upamecano wiped out Maeda on his way through. Why was that not brought back and looked at?”
Agbonlahor responded: “I have got to agree. He stayed down for a little bit, didn’t he, Maeda?!
“Listen, I get the frustration at that, but how proud are you of, not just how Celtic were brave on the ball, but defensively? The back four, especially the fullbacks. Johnston and Schlupp were outstanding.”
Maeda proves he belongs on the Champions League stage
What a performance from the man from Japan! Who needs Kyogo Furuhashi when you have Maeda causing havoc and putting in performances for two players!?
Everyone will look towards the Bayern backline for sleeping on the ball when Kuhn scored, but it was Maeda’s relentless pressing that led to that moment.
| Tournament | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Champions League | 9 | 4 |
That’s four goals in Europe’s elite competition this season and he is further proving why he has been Celtic’s best player this season.
Maeda is a Champions League-quality player all day long and deserves the plaudits coming his way.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
