Champions League: Last-Minute Heroics from Davies Propel Bayern to Round of 16
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Synopsis
Alphonso Davies' last-minute equalizer propelled Bayern Munich to a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win over Celtic, securing their place in the Champions League last 16. The match featured dramatic moments, including a late goal by Davies and impressive saves from both goalkeepers.
Key Takeaways
- Alphonso Davies scored a crucial last-minute equalizer.
- Bayern Munich advanced to the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
- Celtic took the lead in the second half before Bayern's late comeback.
- Several other teams, including Benfica and Feyenoord, also secured their spots in the next round.
- Both goalkeepers made critical saves throughout the match.
Munich, Feb 19 (NationPress) Alphonso Davies' thrilling last-minute equalizer clinched a 3-2 aggregate victory for Bayern Munich against Celtic in the Champions League playoff.
FC Bayern managed a 1-1 draw against Celtic in the second leg of the playoffs, ensuring their place in the Champions League round of 16. Nicolas Kuhn gave Celtic the lead in the second half, but Alphonso Davies found the net deep into stoppage time, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and advancing Bayern to the next stage.
Following a minute's silence honoring the victims of last week’s incident in Munich, Bayern started strong. Gnabry had a header blocked in a crucial moment, while Callum McGregor shot over the bar and Kasper Schmeichel saved a shot from Kane.
Bayern faced a brief setback when Kuhn scored past Neuer, leading to a clearance from Guerreiro. A cross from Kuhn just missed Daizen Maeda, who then shot wide from outside the box.
Bayern soon regained control, with Schmeichel denying Kane again. Guerreiro and Gnabry had their attempts blocked, and Kimmich shot just off target, while Kane’s effort hit the crossbar, leaving the score level at half-time.
After the break, Vincent Kompany's team nearly took the lead, but Schmeichel made an impressive save against Goretzka. Stanisic and Musiala missed their chances, but Celtic regained possession and Kuhn scored, leveling the aggregate score.
Schmeichel was up to the task against a shot from Coman, and Neuer denied Maeda again. Goretzka narrowly missed with a header. After some missed opportunities, just when it appeared the match would go into extra time, Schmeichel parried a header from Goretzka, allowing Davies to score from the rebound.
Bayern will be joined in the last 16 by Benfica, Club Brugge, and Feyenoord, who also triumphed in their playoff matches.
Orkun Kokcu's late strike propelled Benfica into the last 16 following a tense match in Lisbon, winning 4-3 on aggregate.
A first-half goal from Kerem Akturkoglu gave the hosts the lead, but Takumi Minamino and Eliesse Ben Seghir equalized for Monaco either side of half-time.
A penalty from Vangelis Pavlidis restored Benfica's aggregate lead, followed by a quick goal from substitute George Ilenikhena. With extra time looming, Kokcu scored from an Alvaro Carreras cross with over 10 minutes to play.
Chemsdine Talbi scored twice within the first 27 minutes, leading Brugge to a commanding 5-2 aggregate win.
Feyenoord secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 for the first time by achieving the necessary draw at Stadio San Siro. The visitors were shocked when their former player Santiago Gimenez equalized just 37 seconds into the match.
However, Milan was reduced to ten men when Theo Hernandez received a second yellow card early in the second half. Julian Carranza then came off the bench to score a powerful header from a well-placed Hugo Bueno cross, sealing the aggregate victory for the Eredivisie club.
