Mika Baur's Incredible Celtic Park Debut
Mika Baur walked out at Celtic Park for the first time and felt exactly what he’d imagined from his living room in Germany – only louder, closer, and far more real.
Now he wants more.
The 22-year-old midfielder is chasing a childhood dream as Celtic head to Austria with a 3-0 lead over LASK in the Champions League play-off second leg, and he knows precisely what is at stake.
‘Incredible’ first taste of Celtic Park
Baur’s competitive debut in Glasgow came in style. Last week’s 3-0 win over LASK was his first appearance at Celtic Park, after a brief outing at Tannadice in the League Cup following his move from Paderborn.
“It was incredible,” he said of that first night under the lights. “The atmosphere and energy in the stadium – I knew it before from sitting in front of the TV and now to feel it in real life is incredible, such a nice feeling.”
For a player who grew up glued to European nights on screen, this is the moment he has been chasing.
“Playing in the Champions League is a dream for every young kid growing up watching football,” he said. Now he is one strong performance away from stepping through that door.
O’Neill warning keeps Celtic grounded
Martin O’Neill’s side travel with a commanding advantage, but the manager has been clear: the tie is not finished.
Baur is on exactly the same page. The scoreline flatters no one in the Celtic camp.
“It’s difficult because we know they are a good team,” he said. “They made a good match in Glasgow, so we know what we have to do.
“We need the same mentality and energy to hopefully win again.”
The message is simple. No cruise control, no complacency. Replicate the intensity from Glasgow, finish the job, and the group stage beckons.
Settling into Glasgow – and impressed by O’Neill
Away from the pitch, Baur is still learning the city, the club, and the demands that come with both. One constant has helped: his manager.
“He makes us feel comfortable, his way to manage the team is different to how I know it in Germany, but he’s really, really impressive,” Baur said.
There is a lot for a 22-year-old to process – a new league, a new style, a new culture – yet he sounds energised rather than overwhelmed.
“There’s a lot going on at the moment, but I really enjoy it, to meet new people and play with them, it’s a different style but I really enjoy it and to walk around the city, look for apartments, it’s a nice time at the moment.”
The off-field details can wait for a day. For now, Baur’s focus is clear: turn that “incredible” first taste of Celtic Park into a full Champions League campaign – and make sure LASK are just a stepping stone, not a plot twist.
