It’s time to think positive as Celtic travel to Munich next week with a fighting chance of progressing in the Champions League.
Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich is a body blow and it now makes the German giants clear favourites to book their ticket into the last 16 of this two-legged playoff encounter.
But, under Brendan Rodgers’ stewardship this season, Celtic have showcased progression in the Champions League and clear signs that they are moving forward.
The fact that the champions are in the knockout stages is proof of that!
On Wednesday night, the Celtic Park crowd were in full voice as they showcased to Europe why Glasgow produces the best nights under the lights.
That Nicolas Kuhn offside goal could have been the perfect start, but then Michael Olise and Harry Kane punished Celtic.
Manuel Neuer produced an outstanding save at the death to deny the home side an equaliser after Daizen Maeda had pulled a goal back, as the Bayern shot-stopper shared some interesting thoughts on the match.
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Manuel Neuer hails Celtic Park’s atmosphere after Bayern Munich wins Champions League clash
At the age of 38, Neuer has been there and experienced it all, including winning World Cups, major titles and the European Cup itself.
That would have seen the German shot-stopper play in the greatest stadiums and the most hostile of atmospheres.
But Neuer admitted that the noise he heard from the Parkhead faithful was something ‘special’ and also ‘rare to experience’, as he told Bayern’s official site.
“Celtic had a really long unbeaten home run and that’s not easy to achieve,” said Neuer.
“We showed a very good performance and dominated. Celtic was really only dangerous once they had so many set-pieces. We weren’t always ideally positioned, but overall we deserved to win here.
“We didn’t buckle under the pressure. We could have been cooler in certain situations, but we remained level-headed for most of the game and played smart football.
“It was really important not to concede another goal and drive home with a draw. It was very loud here. It’s rare to experience such an atmosphere and that was special for us.”
Watch Celtic Park in full voice before kick-off
The home crowd did all they could do to motivate and push the team, as Celtic Park was in full voice for its first knockout game in 12 years.
As posted by TNT Sports, you can watch and listen to ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’ being sung loud and proud just before the players walk out.
That is going to be needed by the Celtic away fans travelling to Munich next week after the club avoided a UEFA ban for throwing a pyrotechnic onto the pitch at Villa Park last month.
Avoid conceding those early goals in Germany’s capital, even keep it goalless at half-time of the second leg and then you never know!
One thing is for sure, if the unthinkable happens, then you will hear the Celtic fans roar.
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