Atalanta vs Bayern Munich Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | Round of 16
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Atalanta produced a remarkable comeback in the knockout playoffs to set up a contest with many pundits' favourites for the trophy, Bayern Munich, in the round of 16.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – CBS Sports
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Atalanta preview: Buzzing Bergamasci
In the knockout playoff round, Atalanta suffered a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the first-leg before coming from behind to win 4-1 in the second-leg with a last gasp penalty, too, to complete a dramatic comeback in Bergamo.
The Bergamasci aren't the best version of themselves from recent years but they have been improving since the appointment of Raffaele Palladino, a tactical disciple of former boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
Bayern Munich preview: Brilliant Bayern
Bayern Munich continued their fine romp to the Bundesliga title with a 4-1 annihilation of Borussia Monchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Bavaria at the weekend, meaning that they sit 11 points clear with just eight games to go in Germany.
The Bavarians were also magnificent in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, winning seven of their eight games and only losing to the team that topped the 36-team table, Arsenal.
Atalanta team news: Scalvini suspended
Centre-back Giorgio Scalvini is missing through suspension for Atalanta this week after his red card against Dortmund, while key men Ederson, Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are sidelined through injury.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Pasalic, Bernasconi; Samardzic, Zalewski; Scamacca
Unavailable: Scalvini (Suspended), Ederson (Injured), De Ketelaere (Injured), Raspadori (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayern Munich team news: Kane a doubt
Harry Kane missed out against Borussia Monchengladbach due to a calf injury but there is hope that it is just precautionary, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has himself also sustained a calf injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Unavailable: Neuer (Injured), Ito (Injured), Davies (Injured)
Questionable: Kane (Injured)
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich prediction
Bayern Munich may well be susceptible at the back, as they have been on occasion in the Bundesliga, but they remain firm favourites for this one against an Atalanta side that will be expected to themselves at least occasionally bloody the nose of their opponents, with home advantage at the Gewiss Stadium.
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich Tip: Bayern Munich to win & both teams to score
