Champions League: Bayern Munich close in on last 16, Milan edge away with surprise defeat

Bayern Munich achieved a valuable victory over Celtic of Scotland, while AC Milan of Italy lost by one goal to Feyenoord of the Netherlands, and Benfica of Portugal defeated Monaco of France, on Wednesday, in the first leg of the knockout round qualifying for the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Bayern Munich put one foot in the Champions League round of 16 after winning 2-1 against Scottish host Celtic.

The Bavarian giants scored twice through strikers Michael Oliseh and Harry Kane in the 45th and 49th minutes, while Daisen Maeda scored Celtic's only goal in the 79th minute, bringing them close to qualifying before the second leg between the two teams at the Allianz Arena in Munich next Tuesday.

Harry Kane doubles Bayern Munich's lead #UCL pic.twitter.com/BrFCF5ejbg

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 12, 2025

Bayern Munich finished the league stage in 12th place with 15 points, while Celtic was in 21st place with 12 points.

This victory boosts the morale of Bayern Munich players and their Belgian coach Vincent Kompany before the anticipated match against Bayer Leverkusen, next Saturday, in the summit of the 22nd round of the German League.

For its part, the Dutch Feyenoord Rotterdam took a significant step towards qualifying for the round of 16, achieving a valuable 1-0 victory over its guest, the Italian Milan, in the match that was held in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

Feyenoord, who won the title in 1970, will only need a draw in the second leg, which will be held at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, next week.

⚽️🔥 Feyenoord opens the scoring early with a powerful side-footed shot from Brazilian Baixao #UEFAChampionsLeague | #FeyenoordMilan #UCL pic.twitter.com/qyv3Vz2Cyv

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 12, 2025

In contrast, Milan must win by at least two goals against its Dutch counterpart if it wants to avoid an early exit from the tournament, which it has won 7 times.

In turn, Portuguese Benfica put one foot in the round of 16 with a valuable 1-0 victory over hosts Monaco, who were short of players, at the "Louis II" stadium in Monaco.

In another match, Club Brugge won 2-1 over its guest, Atalanta, with a goal scored by substitute Gustav Nilsson from a penalty kick in stoppage time.

Atalanta will host Brugge in the return leg next Tuesday, with the winner set to play either Lille or Aston Villa in the last 16.