Harry Kane was on target as Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over Celtic in Glasgow in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday, while Benfica, Feyenoord, and Club Brugge also claimed wins.

Bayern, aiming to reach this season’s final at their own Allianz Arena in Munich on 31st May, dominated the first half at Celtic Park and took the lead just before the interval through a stunning strike from Michael Olise.

The Bundesliga leaders doubled their advantage just four minutes after half-time, with Kane left unmarked at the back post to steer home a cushioned finish from a corner.

It was Kane’s seventh goal in this season’s Champions League and his 29th in 29 matches across all competitions.

However, Bayern eased off after that, allowing Celtic—who had an early goal from Nicolas Kühn ruled out for offside—to fight their way back into the contest.

Brendan Rodgers’ side pulled one back in the 79th minute when Daizen Maeda headed home from a corner, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

“It’s a cliché to say, but this is just the first half of the tie. Overall, it’s a really great result,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany told the BBC.

Celtic’s first home defeat since December 2023 leaves them with a formidable task in Germany next Tuesday, where the winners will progress to face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid in the last 16.

“It’s only a one-goal difference. It’s a big challenge, we know that, but it’s still a possibility,” Rodgers insisted.

Controversy in Bruges

Elsewhere, Vangelis Pavlidis scored the decisive goal as Benfica secured a 1-0 victory away at Monaco, with the hosts reduced to 10 men for much of the second half.

Benfica had previously triumphed 3-2 in Monaco during the league phase in November, and they prevailed again at the Stade Louis II, courtesy of Pavlidis’ strike just after half-time.

The Greek international has now scored six goals in his last five Champions League appearances, including a hat-trick in Benfica’s dramatic 5-4 defeat to Barcelona last month.

Monaco’s task became even harder in the 52nd minute when Libyan midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati was sent off. The recent signing from Beşiktaş was shown a second yellow card for gesturing at the referee to book an opponent after Breel Embolo was fouled.

Benfica will look to finish the job in next week’s return leg, with the winners set to face either Liverpool or Barcelona in the last 16.

Feyenoord Punish Milan Error

In Rotterdam, Feyenoord responded to the sacking of manager Brian Priske on Monday by claiming a 1-0 victory over seven-time European champions AC Milan, giving them a slender advantage ahead of the return leg at San Siro.

The Dutch side benefited from a costly mistake by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who failed to deal with Igor Paixão’s speculative third-minute shot, allowing the ball to ricochet off his body and into the net.

That proved to be the only goal of the match, played in torrential rain at De Kuip.

“These are the nights we live for,” said Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber.

“De Kuip was rocking again. We were ready. Now on to next week,” he added, with Inter Milan or Arsenal awaiting the winners in the next round.

Late Drama in Belgium

Earlier in the evening, Club Brugge claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atalanta, with a controversial stoppage-time penalty settling the contest.

Ferran Jutglà gave the Belgian side the lead in the 15th minute after Atalanta were punished for a defensive lapse, but Mario Pašalić equalised for the visitors before half-time.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Brugge were awarded a last-minute penalty when substitute Gustaf Nilsson was caught in the face by the outstretched arm of Atalanta defender Isak Hien.

The contact appeared to be accidental and minimal, but after reviewing the footage, the referee stood by his decision. Nilsson stepped up to convert the spot-kick and secure victory.

“I’ve just watched the replay, and if you ask 100 people whether that was a penalty, all 100 would say no. It’s very strange,” complained Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere.

The winners of that tie will face either Aston Villa or Lille in the next round.