Bayern Munich will take on Celtic in Glasgow on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League playoff, with young midfielder Jamal Musiala proving to be a crucial part of their attacking force.
At just 21 years old, Jamal Musiala has cemented his place alongside Harry Kane as one of Bayern’s most dependable players this season. Known for his creativity and skill, the German international has now added consistency to his game, making him a key player in Bayern’s quest to lift the Champions League trophy at their home stadium.
Musiala’s Goal-scoring Form
Under coach Vincent Kompany, Musiala has sharpened his finishing ability while maintaining his playmaking skills. He has scored 15 goals in 29 games across all competitions this season, just one short of his career-best tally from 2022-23.
While Kane has been unstoppable with 28 goals in 28 matches, Bayern’s other experienced forwards—Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Thomas Müller—have struggled to hit double figures. This has made Musiala’s contribution even more vital.
His goals have also been decisive. He netted the winner against Benfica in the Champions League and secured a crucial away victory against St. Pauli in the Bundesliga. In November, he scored a last-minute equalizer against Borussia Dortmund and came off the bench to score twice against Heidenheim.
Despite ongoing contract negotiations, Musiala has remained focused on delivering for Bayern. His teammate Serge Gnabry praised his ability to handle pressure, describing him as a “fun guy” who always watches his own highlights.
Bayern’s Away Struggles and the Celtic Challenge
Bayern have struggled in away games this season, suffering defeats to Barcelona, Aston Villa, and Feyenoord, conceding a combined eight goals while scoring just once. Their only away win in the Champions League came against Shakhtar Donetsk, who were forced to play in Germany due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Celtic, on the other hand, have turned their home ground into a fortress, remaining unbeaten at Celtic Park since December 2023. The stadium will be packed with passionate fans as the Scottish champions play their first Champions League knockout tie in over a decade.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, who played at Celtic Park as a teenager for Anderlecht, knows the challenge ahead. “It was one of the loudest away games of my career,” he recalled. Sporting director Max Eberl also acknowledged the difficulty, saying, “Celtic is a force at home. We respect them and know how much energy this stadium can generate.”
Bayern will need to overcome their away-day woes if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive, and Musiala will once again be at the heart of their efforts.