Bayern Munich vs. Atalanta – News and Probable Lineups

Atalanta BC will be looking to pull off a remarkable comeback in the Champions League as they head to Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on Wednesday for their last-16 second-leg match.

The Bavarians had a dominant 6-1 victory against the Bergamaschi just a week ago, matching their largest defeat in European competition, and the Italians are now eager to salvage some dignity in the return match in Munich.

Match overview

Bayern were always seen as favorites to progress in their last-16 encounter with Atalanta, but even Vincent Kompany might not have anticipated finding his team in such a dominant position, particularly with Harry Kane given a rare day off.

Instead of lacking potency with Nicolas Jackson leading their attack, the Bavarians showcased an impressive offensive display, scoring six goals in Bergamo.

Michael Olise contributed with two goals and an assist during the 6-1 triumph, while both Jackson and Serge Gnabry registered a goal and an assist each.

As a result of that overwhelming defeat handed to their Italian rivals, Kompany’s squad would now need to experience an unprecedented collapse to lose their substantial advantage in Munich.

The former defender may even choose to rest Kane again on Wednesday, potentially allowing Jackson another start following his reckless red card during the weekend match against Bayer Leverkusen.

While Bayern was already trailing 1-0 at BayArena, the Chelsea loanee received a straight red for dangerous play just before half-time, putting his teammates in a precarious situation as they headed to the dressing rooms.

While they eventually equalized through Luis Diaz — before the forward was sent off himself, reducing Bayern to nine players — it remains to be seen if both Jackson and Diaz will face any internal disciplinary measures for their actions.

This decision is unlikely to impact the Bavarians’ perfect European record at the Allianz Arena this season, as they take the field on Wednesday mindful of the historical context: they have advanced in 28 of their last 29 two-legged ties after securing victory in the first leg away from home.

Atalanta are aware that they must overcome significant challenges to achieve what would be one of the most unexpected comebacks in the history of the Champions League.

The 6-1 defeat they suffered last week at the hands of their German rivals was La Dea’s equal heaviest loss in European competitions, matching the 5-0 group-stage surrender they faced against Liverpool in the 2020-21 season.

Nevertheless, conceding six goals marked a new low for the Bergamaschi on the continent, although Raffaele Palladino’s side showed resilience by holding title contenders Inter Milan to a 1-1 draw in Serie A.

Despite trailing into that league match when Françasco Pio Esposito put the leaders ahead, La Dea held firm, avoided further goals against, and managed to equalize through Nikola Krstovic with just eight minutes left in regular time.

While that draw prevented Palladino’s side from experiencing back-to-back defeats for the first time since November, Atalanta find themselves seven points adrift of the high-flying Como in the battle for a top-four finish and a potential return to next season’s Champions League.

Having not tasted victory since their commanding 4-1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund last month, La Dea heads to Bavaria without a win in five encounters and are left pondering just how much further they could fall at the Allianz.

Team News

Bayern is facing a goalkeeping dilemma ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, with both Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich unavailable, while Jonas Urbig’s availability is uncertain, potentially paving the way for 16-year-old Leonard Prescott to make his debut for Bayern.

Jamal Musiala’s condition will be evaluated, while Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito will be absent due to injuries, and last week’s standout player Olise along with Joshua Kimmich will be serving one-match suspensions after collecting yellow cards.

Although Kane is just two goals shy of becoming the first English player to net 50 goals in the Champions League, Kompany might choose to keep the team’s top scorer on the bench for a third successive game to keep him fit for tougher challenges, allowing Jackson a chance to start again.

Also in contention for a starting spot is the talented teenager Lennart Karl, who could make his sixth appearance in this season’s Champions League with Olise sidelined.

For Atalanta, the visitors do not endure significant injury concerns, with Giacomo Raspadori the only notable absentee due to a thigh problem, while Yunus Musah will miss out after his booking in the prior fixture.

The Italian squad has shared their scoring responsibilities across the board in Europe this season, with Mario Pasalic, Lazar Samardzic, and Gianluca Scamacca all netting three goals each.

Leading the way in terms of total goal contributions, Charles De Ketelaere has tallied two goals and two assists across seven European appearances, six of which have been starts.

Bayern Munich probable starting XI:

Prescott; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Karl, Gnabry, Diaz; Jackson

Atalanta BC probable starting XI:

Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Pasalic, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Zalewski; Krstovic

Atalanta will aim to take advantage of Bayern’s patched-up defense and inexperienced goalkeeper, but the Bavarians still have more than enough attacking prowess to comfortably outscore whatever the Italians can produce at the other end.