Brendan Rodgers has described Celtic’s Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich as one of the biggest matches of his Parkhead tenure, as his side prepare to face the German giants in the second leg of their knockout play-off at the Allianz Arena.

The Scottish champions trail 2-1 from the first leg but travel to Munich with belief, after a late Daizen Maeda header gave them hope of an upset. Speaking ahead of the massive clash, Rodgers called it a “wonderful opportunity” for his players to make history.

When asked if this was one of his biggest matches across his two spells at Celtic, Rodgers didn’t hesitate: [Celtic TV]

“It is. In the context of our European season this season, it’s a huge game. It’s also a huge opportunity. I see it as a wonderful opportunity.

“I know that when we come out after tomorrow night, and then lose the game, this has been a great adventure for us this season. And we’ve shown progress at this level. And that’s what we wanted to do.

“We wanted to bring stability. We wanted to make our supporters proud. We wanted to show that we have that respectability at the level, and that we can compete. And I think we’ve done all of those.

“So tomorrow night is the opportunity to get through into the last 16. It’s going to be huge. And it’s what I’m so looking forward to, to see us take on the challenge”

Celtic Park was rocking last week as the Hoops ran Bayern close, and thousands of Celtic fans are expected to descend on Munich despite the difficult task ahead.

If Celtic started their comeback sooner, and played like they did for the last 20 minutes from earlier in the match, they probably would have left the match with a draw to take to Germany.

The odds may be against them, but with Maeda’s energy, Idah’s growing confidence, and the belief Rodgers has instilled, the Hoops will head into battle with nothing to lose.

Munich awaits – can Celtic defy the odds?