The final denouement of Celtic’s Champions League campaign evoked an extraordinary mixture of pride and regret among players and supporters alike.
The former emotion stemmed from a quite outstanding collective display which did not quite manifest itself in the outcome Brendan Rodgers’ side deserved. Only seconds separated them from a famous win across 90 minutes and extra-time.
Alas, the latter came as a result of a multitude of chances missed on the night and the loss of a poor second goal in Glasgow the previous week.
For all Celtic went out on their shield in the arena where the final will be staged in May, there are questions which will haunt everyone associated with the club as this tournament rolls on.
What direction would this game have taken if the Scottish champions had taken just one of the many early opportunities they fashioned?
How different would the outcome had been if the talismanic Kyogo Furuhashi hadn’t moved to Rennes after qualification was secured without a like-for-like replacement being nailed down?
Celtic defender Auston Trusty keeps an eye on Bayern striker Harry Kane
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers retrieves the ball at the Allianz Arena
Given little chance by most neutrals of downing the Bavarian giants in their own back yard, Celtic delivered a performance of true substance which spoke to their evolution throughout this tournament.
Even after being eliminated, they have reason to believe that they belong at this level again. Had it not been for Lady Luck shunning them in the 94th minute as Alphonso Davies netted to save Bayern’s skins, they might well have been on their way to the last 16.
Once the dust settles, there will be considerable consolidation to be taken from how close Rodgers’ men cake to pulling off a monumental upset.
Defeating Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena is a task as close to mission impossible as you’ll find these days.
Since their defence of their trophy was ended by Paris Saint-Germain four years ago, Munich have played 20 home matches in the competition.
Barcelona (twice), Inter Milan and Manchester United all arrived with hopes of savouring a victory yet were all defeated. Only four draws in that sequence – against Villarreal, Manchester City, FC Copenhagen and Real Madrid – offered further evidence of how foreboding this futuristic structure on the north of this great city remains.
In that regard, Celtic’s extraordinary efforts must be viewed in perspective. They could scarcely have come closer to pulling off the unthinkable.
For all Celtic had to score in the match, they didn’t have to force the issue. There was a structure to Rodgers’ side. They were impressively patient and cautious.
Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano battles with Celtic defende Cameron Carter-Vickers
This approached manifested itself in an early opening. Callum McGregor pressed high and advanced but couldn’t hit the target.
Bayern didn’t heed the warning. Only Raphael Guerreiro’s stationing on the line prevented Nicolas’s Kuhn’s weak strike from finding the net.
Daizen Maeda then looked set to turn home Arne Engels’ cross yet saw it an instant too late. The winger then attempted to lob Manuel Neuer when he’d better options. Aside from a goal, Rodgers could not have wished for a better opening.
For all Bayern had their moments, like when Kasper Schmeichel had to readjust his body to prevent Harry Kane’s deflected strike from beating him, Celtic were not routinely cut open.
They doubled up when required, denied their opponents space, make timely blocks and tracked runners.
When they recovered the ball, they kept it, working it left and right and back again, seeking vulnerability in the Munich defence. That final surge at Celtic Park the previous Wednesday had evidently worked wonders for their belief. It was an awful long way removed from that bleak night in Dortmund when they lost seven.
Sure, Kane hit the bar on the cusp of half-time before being withdrawn, but it was a fleeting moment.
Celtic had played with freedom and purpose. The midfield three – McGregor, Engels and Reo Hatate – had scarcely put a foot wrong. The team pressed with cohesion and continually played through Bayern’s attempts to press them in turn.
Nicolas Kuhn beats Manuel Neuer but his shot was cleared off the line
Schmeichel’s save to deny Leon Goretzka at the outset of the second half ensured the aggregate deficit remained just one.
You always sensed Celtic would get another chance. It arrived on 63 minutes.. This time they took it.
Maeda caused chaos, his presence causing Kim Min-jae to panic and surrender possession at the edge of his own box. Kuhn was in. After one touch to steady himself, he buried the ball past Neuer. What a moment for the former Bayern reserve.
Bayern were rattled. Maeda met Engel’s cross but couldn’t get quite enough on his header. Although Goretzka, Leroy Sane and Joshua Kimmich went close, Celtic survived.
Schmeichel was outstanding, his handling giving his team-mates respite when they needed it.
They deserved to take it the distance. Just when it looked like extra-time, Schmeichel made another great save from Goretzka but Carter-Vickers’ desperate clearance hit off Davies and ricocheted into the net.
One thing can be said for sure. After years of participating in the Champions League without really competing in it, Celtic at least made their presence felt this time around. No longer were they just making up the numbers. They now have something to build on.
From that barnstorming display against Slovan Bratislava, to the draw away to Atalanta, from the swashbuckling victory over RB Leipzig to last night’s magnificent effort, it’s been quite the ride.
It was a cruel way for it all to end. Celtic will feel they could have gone further. Amid the pain, however, their pride will be palpable.
