Bayern Munich wing-back Alphonso Davies puts last-gasp heroics against Celtic down to 'instinct'

Bayern Munich wing-back Alphonso Davies puts last-gasp heroics against Celtic down to 'instinct'

Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies credited his crucial last-minute goal, which helped Bayern secure a 3-2 aggregate win over Celtic and advance to the Champions League Round of 16, to "instinct."

The Canadian wing-back scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time, leveling the score at 1-1 with Celtic, sparing Bayern from extra time in the second leg of the playoff. Bayern had won the first leg 2-1 in Glasgow, meaning they progressed with a 3-2 aggregate score.

"It was instinct," Davies remarked about his goal, which marked just his second in the Champions League. "I'm happy to get another one."

The 24-year-old, who recently committed to Bayern by signing a new contract lasting until June 2030, kissed the Bayern crest on his shirt and pointed to it after scoring.

This act might have been one that Bayern's decision-makers had hoped to see sooner, as negotiations to extend the pacey wing-back's contract had dragged on.

Davies' contract had been set to expire at the end of this season. Bayern's sporting board member, Max Eberl, stated in March 2024 that the club had made its final offer to Davies, who was also reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid.

In the end, Bayern and Davies agreed on a new deal reportedly worth around 20 million euros annually for the player.

Tuesday's goal will help justify that investment. Bayern's progression to the Round of 16 will earn them an additional 11 million euros in UEFA prize money.

"That's the Champions League," Davies said. "We played against a strong Celtic team. They play with a lot of intensity. We're happy to go through. It's not easy. We're playing so many games."

Bayern will learn on Friday whether they'll face Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the last 16. Their next match is at home against high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

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