Sport nationCeltic’s Champions League Hopes: Can They Exploit Bayern Munich’s Complacency?
As Celtic prepares to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League playoff round, the Hoops will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the German giants’ armor. One potential vulnerability that Celtic can capitalize on is Bayern’s complacency, according to Aberdeen and Scotland legend Willie Miller.
Miller, who famously helped Aberdeen defeat Bayern Munich in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983, believes that the Bundesliga outfit’s superiority complex could work in Celtic’s favor. “Perhaps Bayern will have that kind of a superiority complex that might just help Celtic in their journey,” Miller said.
Celtic faces an uphill battle, having lost the first leg 2-1 at Celtic Park. However, Miller is confident that the Hoops can turn the tie around, citing his own experience of overcoming Bayern Munich in the 1980s. “Celtic going into the game, it is a huge task for them to turn a deficit round away from them. But it’s not impossible,” Miller noted.
Miller’s own experience of playing against Bayern Munich is instructive. In 1983, Aberdeen drew 0-0 with Bayern in Munich before defeating them 3-2 in the return leg at Pittodrie. Miller credits Aberdeen’s defensive masterclass in Munich as a key factor in their ultimate victory. “My memory is that it was a very good all-round performance from the team. We got a good result, but it could have been even better because we had some chances.”
Miller also recalls how Bayern’s complacency almost cost them the tie. “I think sometimes the Germans have that kind of a way about them. They were full of West German international players as well with a great deal of experience and quality. We were up against some of the best players in the world at that time as well.”
Celtic will need to draw on every ounce of experience and skill if they are to overcome Bayern Munich and progress to the Champions League knockout stages. With the German giants holding a slender lead, Celtic will need to be at the top of their game to turn the tie around. However, if they can exploit Bayern’s complacency and capitalize on any mistakes, they may yet pull off a famous victory.
Sport nation
