Bayern edge Celtic to reach last 16
GLASGOW: Javi Mart inez grabbed a late winner as Bayern Munich booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League for the 10th successive season with a 2-1 Group B win over Celtic in Glasgow.
The German champions took advantage of a Halloween horror show in the Celtic defence to take a 22nd-minute lead through Kingsley Coman.
The Hoops responded positively a nd C a l lum McGr e g or ’ s 74th- minute equaliser looked set to earn them a share of the points.
However, it took just over two minutes for Bayern to regain their lead with Martinez bravely heading home the winner that keeps them three points behind leaders Paris Saint- Germain, whose 5 - 0 thrashing of Anderlecht ended Celtic’s hopes of progressing from the group.
“We have to take into account the last few weeks and all the changes that have taken place,” said Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes, who took over from the sacked Carlo Ancelotti earlier this month.
“The trainer changed and we knew it would be difficult and challenging, but we must compliment our opponents.”
The S c o t t i sh champions remain favourites to clinch third spot and a Europa League place ahead of Anderlecht, who they host on matchday six, following their win in Belgium earlier in the campaign.
“The disappointment in the dressing room really shows how well we played,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
Roared on by a noisy home support, Celtic started brightly and were less wasteful in possession than they had been on their visit to Munich a fortnight ago. — AFP