Bayern Munich produced an emphatic performance against Atalanta in the opening match of their Champions League last-16 encounter, securing a huge advantage ahead of the return leg. Despite Harry Kane being unavailable from the start because of a calf issue, the German champions delivered a ruthless attacking display in Bergamo.
The visitors quickly established authority, building a decisive lead before the match had even reached the half-hour mark. Michael Olise was central to the early breakthrough, helping create the momentum that stunned the Italian side.
The opening goal arrived in the 12th minute. Olise delivered a rapid corner that caught the defence off guard, finding Serge Gnabry unmarked. Gnabry then provided the final pass for Josip Stanisic, who converted from close range to give Bayern the advantage.
Just ten minutes later the lead doubled. Olise scored himself, curling a precise strike beyond goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi and giving Bayern full control of the contest.
Olise leads devastating attacking display
The French midfielder continued to influence the match moments after his goal. Soon afterwards he released Gnabry with a well-timed pass, allowing the winger to lift the ball over the advancing Carnesecchi and extend the visitors’ advantage.
Bayern’s relentless pressure continued throughout the first half and into the second. Nicolas Jackson and Jamal Musiala both added their names to the scoresheet as the Bundesliga side maintained their attacking rhythm.
Olise also completed his brace, further highlighting his influence on the night. By the 67th minute Bayern had struck six times, effectively putting the tie beyond doubt.
Atalanta eventually managed a response late in the game through Mario Pasalic, but the goal did little to change the overall picture of Bayern’s overwhelming dominance.
Strong position ahead of return leg
The commanding win in Bergamo leaves Bayern in an excellent situation before the second leg, which will be played at the Allianz Arena on 18 March.
The result also extended the club’s impressive away form, increasing their unbeaten run on the road to nine matches.
In European competition this season the German champions have been particularly consistent. The victory over Atalanta marked their eighth win in nine Champions League games.
Historically, the result was also notable. Bayern became only the second side in the competition’s history to defeat Atalanta by a margin of five goals.
Kompany’s team deliver despite Kane’s absence
Harry Kane, Europe’s top scorer this season, started the match on the bench after recovering from a calf injury. Nevertheless, Bayern showed that their attacking strength does not rely solely on the England captain.
With Olise in outstanding form, Vincent Kompany’s squad demonstrated the quality that has made them serious contenders for the Champions League title.
Olise played a role in half of Bayern’s six goals and produced one of the standout displays of the evening. His contribution continued a remarkable run in the competition.
Following this performance, the 24-year-old became the first French midfielder since Zinedine Zidane in 1998 to record seven or more goal involvements in consecutive Champions League campaigns.
Impressive form across all competitions
Olise’s influence has not been limited to European fixtures. In Germany, he has scored 10 goals and supplied 18 assists in 23 appearances this season.
Those contributions have helped Bayern establish an 11-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga standings.
The Bavarian club had already finished second behind Arsenal in the Champions League league phase, and their latest victory reinforced their reputation as one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Speaking after the match, Kompany praised his players’ performance, saying the team showed the attacking threat they had been aiming to produce throughout the game.