first-legIn a week where the might of English football has been weakened, Bayern Munich’s chances of winning the Champions League have now strengthened as a result. The German giants safely in the last eight of the competition, they were already there after last week’s brilliant win in Bergamo.
The Round of 16 clash with Atalanta was only need the formalities to be signed off after Vincent Kompany’s men run riot in Italy. A 6-1 first leg win at the expense of the Serie A outfit, Bayern not even needing the services of Harry Kane in order to do so.
The England captain back in the fold on Wednesday night and back doing what he does best. A goal in each half at the Allianz Arena, the former Tottenham icon now etching 50 career Champions League strikes.
The first of his brace was also the first of the evening. Bayern being awarded a penalty in the 25th minute, there was only going to be one person to take it. Especially as it was Kane’s effort that led to the award, VAR stepping in after a handball by Giorgio Scalvini.
Kane slotting home from 12 yards, the celebrations delayed. Atalanta keeper Marco Sportiello too quick to come off this line, a retake ordered. No mistake from the Bayern talisman second time around, the hosts ahead on the night.
7-1 on aggregate would then become 8-1 nine minutes after the restart. Kane able as always when it comes to scoring, his 50th Champions League goal easily ranked in the upper echelons of his half-century. Neat footwork and an even neater finish doubled Bayern’s lead at the Allianz Arena.
Even with an 8-1 aggregate lead, there was no let up from the likely Bundesliga champions. Once again, smelling blood just like in the first leg, the third of the night arrived just two minutes after going two goals clear.
Promising teenager Lennart Karl showing that he belongs on the biggest stage of European football, the 18-year-old receiving a pass from Luis Diaz and showing no hesitation when firing his shot towards the Atalanta goal.
3-0 on the night, 9-1 on aggregate and still time for more. This time Luis Diaz migrated from creator to destroyer. The former Liverpool forward dinking the ball over Atalanta’s Sportiello, between he and fellow keeper Marco Carnesecchi, 10 goals had been conceded between them in this tie.
Double figures for Bayern and finally some respite for their opponents, Atalanta battered by wave after wave of attack – the hosts having 25 shots across 90 minutes, finally getting on Wednesday’s scoresheet.
Lazar Samardzic nodding home for the visitors with just five minutes left remaining. A goal that can be considered nothing more than mere consolation. Atlanta’s European run coming to an end for another season, a return to next season’s Champions League only a possibility at present.
By the time Atalanta finally got their moment of glory, Bayern supporters would already have been weighing up the upcoming last-eight clash with Real Madrid. We are getting to the business end of proceedings, and the kings of Germany are in the conversation to become kings of Europe.
