Bayern Munich Celebrates Unusual Victory Banquet After Celtic Win

After a long-awaited away victory in the Champions League, the Bayern players surprised their chairman. „Today is a bit unusual with the arrival. The team was almost the first to arrive. We have never experienced that before,“ stated CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen during his evening banquet speech at the team hotel following the 2:1 win against Celtic Glasgow.

Upcoming Bundesliga Clash

Dreesen noted, „Clearly, you are eager for us to return to a rest phase before the tough match on Saturday. When I look into Vincent’s eyes, he just agreed with me,“ referring to the coach Vincent Kompany after the playoff first leg victory. The team has high hopes for the return leg in Munich next Tuesday, which could secure their spot in the round of 16.

However, before that, the Bundesliga showdown on Saturday against Bayer Leverkusen looms. With an eight-point lead over the double champions, a victory would place Bayern on the brink of securing the title.

Key Players Shine

Dreesen expressed joy over the first true away victory in Europe’s premier competition since December 2023 against Manchester United; excluding the 5:1 win in Gelsenkirchen last year against Shakhtar Donetsk. Former Premier League players Michael Olise (45th minute) and Harry Kane (49th minute) showcased Bayern’s dominance by scoring in Glasgow.

Defensively, the backline, led by standout defender Dayot Upamecano, only conceded to Daizen Maeda in the 79th minute. Upamecano was later named Player of the Match.

Upamecano’s Performance Praised

„It was a very tough game in a great stadium and against a great opponent, but we won and are satisfied. We defended very well at the back,“ said the 26-year-old, who excelled as the playmaker before Olise’s opening goal.

His performance, often criticized in the past, was praised by teammates and management alike. „I have seen him very stable and strong throughout the season,“ said sports director Max Eberl. „Upa is an outstanding center-back, and he demonstrated that today. When a defender becomes Man of the Match, it holds special significance because it usually doesn’t happen.“