Champions League: Celtic take German lessons to avert ‘absolute thumping’

Rodgers’ pre-match wish was for the tie to still be “alive” when his side arrive in Bavaria next week.

That will be the case, but it could have been even better.

Maeda rounded Manuel Neuer and had a sight at an open goal – albeit from a very acute angle – while Reo Hatate had a long-range hit diverted, and Alistair Johnston a late strike saved by the palms of the experienced Neuer.

According to Rodgers, the German giants “were happy” for the final whistle.

“Celtic made opportunities and Bayern need to keep that in mind,” former Scotland international Pat Nevin said on BBC 5 Live.

“They won’t give up and football is strange sometimes. Anything could happen.”

On Monday afternoon, no one thought Maeda would play. By minute 78 of this game, few thought Celtic had a any semblance of a chance. And yet here we are.

“We hung in against a really top side and gave them problems,” Rodgers added.

“We go over next week, we’ll play at a great stadium, great pitch, and we’ve showed we can play. We have to have that aggressive mindset.

“We’re still right in the tie. It’s only a one goal difference. It’s a big challenge, we know that but it’s still a possibility.”