Owen Hargreaves names two Celtic stars who ‘made difference’ vs Bayern Munich as he tells Hoops they can spring surprise

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Brendan Rodgers’ players put on a brave showing last night despite defeat to Bayern Munich.

Celtic had their moments in the Champions League knockout playoff first-leg but succumbed to goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane before Daizen Maeda’s header kept the tie alive.

It was a vital moment for the Japanese attacker who nodded in from a Yang flick-on to ensure the Hoops travel to the Allianz Arena next week with hope.

It might be unlikely that the Scottish giants can turn the game around in Germany but Owen Hargreaves feels there is still a chance, no matter how slim.

The former Bayern and Manchester United midfielder believes Celts came into the game too late last night which cost them but that two substitutes – Yang and Jota – in particular helped turn the tide during the 90 or so minutes.

And if the Scots can play the same way next week as they did for the final 20 minutes last night, they are in with a shot.

• READ MORE: Harry Kane makes claim about Celtic fans after scoring for Bayern Munich at Parkhead

Yang and Jota were hailed as Celtic’s difference makers vs Bayern

“Bayern Munich were 2-0 up, I don’t think they thought the game was done, especially not at Celtic Park,” Hargreaves said on TNT Sports when asked if the visitors had perhaps thought at 2-0 they had the tie in the bag.

“They have a big couple of weeks coming up.

“But credit to Celtic, they really came back into it.

“They didn’t have a go in the first 70 minutes.

“Yang and Jota coming on really made a big difference but Celtic need to play like this in Munich, like they did in the final 20 minutes.

“High energy, pressing. And you never know, you can spring a surprise.”

Celtic had their chances and narrowly lost to Bayern Munich

Celtic were unfortunate given their efforts in front of a packed out crowd last night.

Nicolas Kuhn had given his side what he thought was the shock lead after less than 30 seconds before VAR ruled it out for offside.

Adam Idah had “pointlessly” made a run across goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and was adjudged to have been disrupting his line of vision.

Arne Engels might also have had a penalty only for the referee to ignore a VAR monitor check.

That decision was debated by Joe Hart and Pat Nevin with the former feeling it was the right call and the latter claiming it should have been a spot-kick.