Raphael Guerreiro is refusing to underestimate Celtic – but still expects Bayern Munich to be in the Champions League last 16.
The Portuguese full-back believes Vincent Kompany’s star-studded side can get a positive first-leg result in Glasgow on Wednesday night before finishing the job in Germany. Guerreiro says Brendan Rodgers’ men deserve their place in the play-offs. But he’s warned Celtic the knock-out phase of Europe’s top competition is when the Bundesliga giants come alive. Ahead of the mouth-watering clash in midweek, Guerreiro said: “This is the Champions League for real now and for Bayern we feel it’s impossible to fail.
“This squad believes we’ll be in the quarter-finals at least but we have to take care of this phase now. Celtic have a good squad and they’re in the same position, they want to win. It won’t be easy for us but we’re prepared for these two matches.
“I know the people see us as favourites. That’s normal but the reality is that both Bayern and Celtic have a 50-50 chance to go through.
“The statistics and history of the competition won’t decide the outcome, that’s not football. To play the second match in Munich is a little advantage for us. But our challenge is to obtain a positive score in Glasgow.
“We have watched Celtic and they have an excellent team. They deserve their place as one of the best teams in the Champions League.
“A Scottish rival is always complicated and the atmosphere at Celtic’s ground is sensational. But for us, that’s an attraction.”
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