Bayern Munich put on a masterclass in Italy, thrashing Atalanta 6–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday, leaving the return leg in Munich all but secured.
The German giants stormed to a three-goal lead inside 25 minutes, with Josip Stanisic opening the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry striking before halftime.
Bayern kept up the pressure after the break, with Nicolas Jackson, Olise again, and Jamal Musiala completing the rout. Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic scored a late consolation goal, but it barely lifted the home side’s spirits.
Coach Vincent Kompany urged focus ahead of the second leg, saying, “There is still the second leg to play, so we must stay focused.” Atalanta captain Marten de Roon vowed his team would fight back, but acknowledged that conceding six goals was unacceptable.
Key absences for Atalanta, including Ederson, Charles De Ketelaere, and Giacomo Raspadori, made containment difficult against a Bayern side that dominated every phase.
The return leg at the Allianz Arena next week promises tension, but Bayern clearly hold the advantage.
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