Bayern München delivered a commanding performance, crushing Atalanta 6-1 in their UEFA Champions League encounter. Winger Michael Olise starred, scoring twice and providing a crucial assist on a memorable night.
Both sides approached this Round of 16 second leg with impressive form, eager to progress further in Europe's elite competition. Bayern, known for their continental pedigree, aimed to assert their dominance away from home. Atalanta, riding a wave of positive results, looked to defy expectations at the neutral New Balance Arena.
The visitors wasted no time asserting their control. Josip Stanisic opened the scoring in the 12th minute, guiding home a neat finish after Serge Gnabry's clever assist. Atalanta's high-pressing style struggled to contain Bayern's swift, incisive attacks.
Bayern then doubled their lead just ten minutes later. Michael Olise slotted past the goalkeeper in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on Dayot Upamecano's precise long pass from defence. The momentum firmly shifted towards the German champions with their clinical edge.
The Bayern onslaught continued relentlessly in the 25th minute. Serge Gnabry then fired in Bayern's third goal, with Olise turning provider this time, demonstrating his influence. Konrad Laimer received a yellow card later for a mistimed challenge in the 39th minute, a rare blot on Bayern's copybook.
By halftime, Bayern held a commanding three-goal advantage, leaving the Bergamo side with a mountain to climb. Atalanta's manager faced a daunting task to inspire a comeback. They needed significant tactical adjustments to stem the relentless flow of Bayern's attack.
The second half began with both teams making early tactical substitutions, but Bayern continued their dominance. Nicolas Jackson added a fourth goal for Bayern in the 52nd minute, showcasing his predatory instincts after receiving a precise assist from Luis Diaz. The floodgates remained open.
Atalanta made further changes in an attempt to stabilize, bringing on fresh legs, but they could not stop the red machine. Michael Olise scored his second of the night in the 64th minute, tucking away a pass from Alphonso Davies. This further extended Bayern's overwhelming lead.
Just moments later, Jamal Musiala made it six for the German giants. He struck with a confident finish in the 67th minute, with Jackson securing his second assist of the evening. The match was now a comprehensive exhibition of Bayern's attacking prowess and efficiency.
Bayern finished with overwhelming statistics, demonstrating their total control. They commanded 69% possession and registered 25 shots, with 13 finding the target, yielding an impressive xG of 4.56. Atalanta managed 11 shots and just 3 on target, with an xG of 0.72, while their goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi made 6 crucial saves.
Despite the heavy defeat, Mario Pasalic grabbed a late consolation goal for Atalanta in the 93rd minute, preventing a shutout. This utterly dominant 6-1 victory sees Bayern München advance confidently in the Champions League, sending a strong message to their European rivals.
