Atalanta Aim for Champions League Upset Against Bayern Munich
BERGAMO, Italy – Atalanta prepare for a historic night at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday as they face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Manager Raffaele Palladino has urged his team to play without limits, believing anything is possible in football, as they attempt to overcome one of Europe’s most formidable opponents. The match, scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET), represents a significant challenge for the Italian side, but one they are embracing with ambition.
Palladino: A Magical Night Awaits
“It will be a historic, magical night,” Palladino stated in a pre-match press conference. “It’s a dream come true to be in the Champions League Round of 16 against a team as strong as Bayern Munich. We don’t want to set limits for ourselves, because in football, everything is possible.” He acknowledged the strength of the Bavarian side, describing them as “the most in-form team in Europe and one of the strongest in the competition,” but emphasized the importance of courage and attention to detail.
Injury Concerns for Atalanta
Atalanta will be without several key players for the encounter. Scalvini is suspended, while Ederson, De Ketelaere, and Raspadori are all unavailable due to injury. Palladino expressed hope that some of these players might return for their upcoming Serie A match against Inter on Saturday, but their focus remains firmly on Tuesday’s clash. He highlighted the crucial role the home fans will play, recalling their strong support during the comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund in the play-off round. “Our fans are our extra weapon,” he said, “they responded brilliantly against Dortmund.”
A Fearless Approach
Palladino intends for his team to play with attacking intent. “We want to play it head-on,” he explained. “We’ll try to be resilient in difficult moments. If we have a little chance of progressing, it will be here, at home.” He believes his players are capable of rising to the occasion, pointing to their ability to respond to adversity in recent matches against Udinese, Napoli, and Borussia Dortmund.
Pasalic’s Milestone and Kane’s Threat
Midfielder Mario Pasalic is set to make his 332nd appearance for Atalanta, surpassing Valter Bonacina to become the third-most capped player in the club’s history. He is also the fourth-highest goalscorer with 67 goals. Pasalic reflected on his time at the club, stating, “These are incredible numbers. I’ve felt at home here for eight years. Aside from the position, I always try to do my best.” He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Bayern’s Harry Kane, recalling facing him during an Under-21 international between Croatia and England, long before Kane became a global superstar.
Stanisic’s Perspective
The match will also see a reunion between Croatian teammates Josip Stanisic of Bayern Munich and Mario Pasalic. Stanisic expressed respect for Atalanta, recalling their Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, where Lookman proved decisive. “I remember the Europa League final very well,” Stanisic said. “Lookman was extraordinary and took advantage of every opportunity. I also contributed negatively to that defeat. Atalanta play strong one-on-one, but I hope it will be different this time.”
Probable Lineups
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): 29 Carnesecchi. 3 Kossounou, 19 Djimsiti, 23 Kolasinac; 77 Zappacosta, 15 De Roon, 8 Pasalic, 47 Bernasconi; 10 Samardzic, 59 Zalewski; 9 Scamacca. (31 Rossi, 57 Sportiello, 4 Hien, 69 Ahanor, 5 Bakker, 16 Bellanova, 6 Musah, 7 K. Sulemana, 25 Cassa, 45 Vavassori, 90 Krstovic). All.: Palladino.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): 40 Urbig; 44 Stanisic, 2 Upamecano, 3 Kim, 22 Guerreiro; 6 Kimmich, 45 Pavlovic; 17 Olise, 10 Musiala, 14 Luis Diaz; 9 Kane. (26 Ulreich, 37 Prescott, 4 Tah, 19 Davies, 27 Leimer, 8 Goretzka, 20 Bischof, 42 Karl, 7 Gnabry, 11 Jackson). All.: Kompany.
Referee: Eskas (Norway).
What’s Next?
Following this Champions League first leg, Atalanta will travel to face Inter in Serie A action on Saturday. Bayern Munich will also be in league action, hosting Bayer Leverkusen. The return leg between Atalanta and Bayern Munich is scheduled for March 18th in Munich.
Will Atalanta’s fearless approach be enough to overcome the might of Bayern Munich? Share your predictions in the comments below!
