The Japanese forward’s quick feet and relentless willingness to put pressure on the opponent made him the ideal centre-forward for this game, as he didn’t let the Bayern centre-backs or central midfielders rest. Maeda, who won four of his six duels on the night, did miss two fantastic chances in the first half, failing to get on the end of Arne Engels’ brilliant cross and then shooting high and wide when he could have sent Kuhn through on goal. The right-footed speedster, however, made up for those mistakes by rushing to win the ball back in the middle of the pitch and sending Kuhn, via the help of a failed tackle, through to make it 1-0.

Whilst it was a good performance from Maeda, due to his pressing work and his play in the build-up to Celtic’s goal, the actual goalscorer was the real star of the attack for the Hoops.

 

Kasper Schmeichel made a terrific save from the initial header, after the USA international lost track of his man in the box, and the Canadian defender got goalside of Carter-Vickers to ensure that his attempted clearance hit him and found the back of the net.

Despite being sent out of the competition, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, including Daizen Maeda’s showing in Munich.

Daizen Maeda’s performance for Celtic against Bayern

The Japan international was selected to start the match as the number nine, with Adam Idah left on the bench and Kyogo Furuhashi sold to Rennes in the January transfer window, with Jota on the left and Kuhn on the right.

It was a bold move by Rodgers, given that Maeda has spent the majority of his Celtic career on the left flank, but it was a tactical choice that appeared to work in the first half.

Nicolas Kuhn’s performance against Bayern Munich

The former Bayern Munich youth star, like Maeda, squandered a golden opportunity early in the game when he controlled Jota’s cross and tapped an effort beyond Neuer, which was easily cleared before it crossed the line.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk