Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta 6-1 in Champions League last-16 tie
Bayern Munich secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo to take complete control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Vincent Kompany’s side produced a devastating first-half display to completely blow their Italian hosts away.
The emphatic win was achieved despite star striker Harry Kane remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.
However, the sweeping away triumph was severely marred by a triple injury blow for the German heavyweights.
Olise shines in dominant first half
Josip Stanisic opened the scoring after just 12 minutes by tapping in a precise pass from Serge Gnabry.
Michael Olise doubled the advantage shortly after with a spectacular curling effort into the far corner of the net.
The relentless Bavarians added a third before the break when Olise set up Gnabry to fire home following a surging run into the box.
The Serie A outfit struggled to gain any foothold, heavily feeling the absences of key figures like Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere.
Injuries sour sensational victory
Nicolas Jackson made it four early in the second half to maintain the brutal momentum for the visitors.
The former Crystal Palace playmaker then grabbed his second of the night before Jamal Musiala volleyed home a sixth.
Despite the ruthless attacking performance, Bayern’s concerns quickly shifted to the treatment room.
Alphonso Davies left the pitch in clear distress after pulling up in the 70th minute with an unspecified muscle issue.
Goalkeeping crisis looms for Kompany
The Canadian international was shielded by teammates and consoled by his manager following another cruel physical setback.
Adding to the medical woes, Musiala limped off in added time with a concerning ankle problem.
Back-up goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, deputising for the already sidelined Manuel Neuer, also sustained an injury following a heavy collision.
Mario Pasalic netted a late consolation for the hosts deep into stoppage time.
The six-time European champions will host the return leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday holding a seemingly unassailable five-goal cushion.
