Celtic denied win over Bayern
Wednesday, 17 September 2003 22:57Roy Makaay's dramatic double gave Bayern Munich a 2-1 win over Celtic to cruelly deny Martin O'Neill's side one of their best-ever European results in tonight's Champions League Group A opener. Alan Thompson had put last season's UEFA Cup finalists ahead in the Olympic Stadium, but two from Makaay left the visitors heartbroken.
Bayern drafted in Michael Ballack, Willy Sagnol, Ze Roberto and top scorer Claudio Pizarro after being out at the weekend, but early on they lacked the sparkle that took them to the European Cup triumph in 2001.
They did catch light after the break, but Thompson looked to have put last season's UEFA Cup finalists on their way to a famous victory. But Makaay fired Bayern level before snatching a late winner to kick-start their season.
Celtic had the better of the opening exchanges against a dormant Bayern and almost went ahead through Bobo Balde on 42 minutes with his header forcing Oliver Kahn to turn the effort over the crossbar.
Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld rallied his troops for the second period and Makaay and Ze Roberto missed two guilt-edged chances early on before Thompson headed the visitors into the lead.
With the sands of time running away Makaay stepped up to write himself into the hearts of the Bayern followers and leave Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and his team frustrated at leaving southern Germany with nothing to show for their spirited display.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
