SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC @ BASTIEN’S MUNCHIES…
“Most Gods throw dice, but Fate plays chess, and you don’t find out til too late that he’s been playing
with two queens all along.” – Terry Pratchett
Josip Stanisic of Bayern Munich react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 8.5/10 – Did absolutely everything he could to defy the odds. Haunted Bayern like his Da’ with one-on-one miracles, anticipation, and safer hands than Jesus as he guided his defence through the minefield. Even his last act was a great save, point-blank from a diving header that, for the split-second it stayed execution, had us thinking the hangman’s rope was a bungee. Really fancied Kasper on pens. But… Alas, the universe – she is a witch.
Jamal Musiala R of Bayern Munich vies with Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg football match between Bayern Munich and Celtic FC in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2025. Photo by /Xinhua Philippe Ruiz
SCHLUPPTHE ‘RA – 8/10 – Suffered for an initial period as he got the Greggs treatment – singled out for isolation and rinsing. But he’s a unit with some pace, as we saw Saturday, and after half an hour he’d measured up to the nimble challenge presented to him wide; and smashed it around a bit. Terrific game after that, focussed and smart defending.
Kasper Schmeichel, goalkeeper of Celtic FC, and Alistair Johnston defend during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg football match between Bayern Munich and Celtic FC in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2025. Photo by Xinhua Philippe Ruiz
WAYNE GRETZKY – 9/10 MOTM – ‘The Moose Loose In Munchen.’ Will be the title of a conceptual arts theatre troop’s next performance, after the lasting memory of AJ rocking around the Allianz with a display of some of the finest timed tackles in a Celtic shirt since Cesar himself. Used every ounce of experience, instinct and ability – and his heehaws at one point – to excel in a superior defensive display that really announced his top-level capabilities. Was great last week, topped it tonight with his ‘career all-time MVP accomplishment’ as the Yanks would frame it. And I know he’s Canadian, but that’s close enough. And they own Canada anyway… Right?
Auston Trusty of Celtic battles for possession with Josip Stanisic of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 8/10 – Yes, he’s got the necessary physique to rough it at Champions League level. Yes, he’s got the height and athleticism to be our ball-winner. But he’s also got a refined defensive brain – most impressed with his awareness and positional sense; near-perfection, which complimented CCV’s covering.
