Bayern Munich was drawn against Atalanta Bergamo for the 2025/26 Champions League Round of 16. Somehow, Bayern had avoided an all-German tie. Borussia Dortmund were household favorites to pull through with their 2-0 first leg advantage, but the Italians managed to topple Bayern’s rivals. Then, Bayern were to be drawn against either Atalanta or another German side in Bayer Leverkusen.
The draw against Atalanta means, however, that Bayern will be traveling to Italy for the first leg of the UCL knockout
stages. Reacting to the draw immediately after it was made, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund talked about the strength of the opposition and Bayern’s chances of progressing.
“This will be a very interesting match against a top Italian team. We’ve never played against each other before and are really looking forward to the tie,” Freund stated, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “The playoffs against Dortmund showed how strong Atalanta are at home; they can apply a lot of pressure, play very aggressively, and have a high level of quality. But we will prepare thoroughly. We know it won’t be easy, but if we bring our energy and performance to the pitch, we have a good chance of advancing to the next round.”
A little confidence never hurts but it needs to be tempered by caution. The Bavarians will know they enter the tie as huge favorites but the favorites tag has never won a team a game of football. Bayern will need to be wary of their Italian opposition.
