It's crunch time in the Champions League! FC Bayern cross swords with Scottish table-toppers Celtic in the play-offs of Europe's premier club competition, with the first leg staged at Celtic Park on Wednesday at 21:00 CET. Check out the facts to find out why a look at the history books boosts the German record champions' confidence and what record is in sight for Thomas Müller.
Four duels with Celtic, no defeat
The German record champions have encountered Celtic on the European stage four times, going unbeaten (three wins, one draw). Munich like to take on Scottish sides: they have lost none of their last 13 matches against teams from Scotland, winning nine and drawing four. The last defeat dates back to February 1989, when Klaus Augenthaler, Olaf Thon & Co. fell 1-0 to Heart of Midlothian.
Ever-present Kimmich
Two pros who have not missed one minute this Champions League campaign are likely to feature in the next encounter. Joshua Kimmich and Callum McGregor are among the five midfielders who have played the full 720 minutes in the Champions League this term.
Both scored when Bayern and Celtic last faced off in the 2017/18 group stage. FCB won the first leg at the Allianz Arena thanks to goals by Kimmich, Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels. Munich also prevailed at Celtic Park, where Kingsley Coman put his team in front and McGregor levelled before Javi Martínez headed home the match-winner.
Passing monster Minjae's strong rate
Bayern defender Minjae Kim boasts an impressive rate. 91 percent of his passes have found a teammate despite high pressure this Champions League campaign (95 ouf of 104) – no other defender who has played a similar number of passes has been so successful.
Bayern's bold approach off the ball has paid off so far. Vincent Kompany's men managed 120 high turnovers in the eight league phase matches, more than any other team. 21 of them resulted in shots, another best-mark.
Next record in sight for Müller
Having already become Bayern's record appearance maker this season, the next record is in sight for Müller on Wednesday. The native Bavarian's goal in the 3-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava means he has been involved in 81 Champions League goals, scoring 56 and setting up 25. If he scores or sets up a goal against Celtic, he will equal Robert Lewandowski's number (82). No Bayern player in history has been involved in more Champions League goals.
Müller scored his 56th goal in Europe's premier club competition against Bratislava, drawing equal with Ruud van Nistelrooy in sixth place in the Champions League's all-time scorer rankings. Raúl in fifth place boasts 71 goals.
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