Bayern's Late Strike Dooms Celtic; Bracket Spot Secured

The result was a foregone conclusion until it wasn't, and then it was again.

Celtic made this Champions League group match interesting in the second half, but all the Scottish side really did was re-awaken FC Bayern.

Die Roten reassumed command immediately thereafter and qualified for the bracket stage outta Group B with a 1-2 triumph.

Dudes got that outta the way with two group matches to spare.

Bayern made short work of the Hoops a fortnight before in Munich, cruising to a 3-0 victory.

That appeared to be the order of the day again when French interational Kingsley Coman -- who says the EU hasn't become a melting pot like the USA? -- struck quickly, netting a goal in the 22nd minute.

And when Celtic's Callum McGregor electrified the home crowd of 58,269 with a highlight-reel stunner in the 74th minute, Bayern's Javi Martínez quickly reminded everyone who's who in the zoo three minutes later.

Although he did come out of the fray a little worse for wear when he tried to do a mind meld with Hoops' defender Nir Bitton.

Group B was always gonna be a foregone conclusion, and with Paris-St Germain demolishing Anderlecht, 5-0, it's now official:

Bayern and PSG meet in their final group game, where the goal difference means all there really is to do on the eve of St Nicholas Day is exchange boots full of treats.

Their real gifts will come in the next round.