“Welcome to Paradise” is the message that welcomes visitors to the Celtic Park stadium. FC Bayern have only visited Paradise once in their long European history: a 0-0 draw in the group stage of the 2003/04 campaign. FCB had won the reverse fixture 2-1 in Munich. Current sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was in the starting eleven on both occasions. fcbayern.com has rounded up some other interesting facts and stats on this evening’s game.
28 years unbeaten
Bayern seem to like playing against Scottish sides. The German record champions have won nine of their 18 previous matches against clubs from Scotland, drawing six and only losing three. The last defeat was over 28 years ago in February 1989 when FCB lost 1-0 to Heart of Midlothian in a UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg. They won 2-0 in the second leg in Munich.
Celtic with weak record against German teams
Celtic’s record against German teams does not look as good. In 21 European Cup games the Scots have only managed three wins, with five draws and 13 defeats. Their last success dates back to February 2003 when they beat Stuttgart 3-1. Since then there have been three draws and five losses against German opponents.
One win in 12 UCL games
Celtic’s overall record in the Europe’s premier club competition could also be better. Their 3-0 victory at Anderlecht on Matchday 2 was their only win in their last 12 Champions League matches, having lost eight and drawn three before that. Celtic have also lost six of their last eight UCL home games at the legendary Celtic Park, winning just one.
FCB with room for improvement away from home
Bayern have somewhat struggled on their recent travels in the competition. The Reds have won just two of their last nine outings, drawing two and losing five. Both of those wins came last season, in the group stage against PSV (2-1) and in the last 16 second leg at Arsenal (5-1). FCB are also without a clean sheet in their last nine away games.
Dutch referee
Danny Makkelie will be the referee at Celtic Park on Tuesday evening. It’s the 34-year-old Dutchman’s 12th game in the Champions League and his first involving Bayern, although the Germany internationals in the squad have very recent experience of Makkelie as he refereed the World Cup qualifier between Germany and Northern Ireland four weeks ago.
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