„BVB exit as a warning“: Bayern have great respect for Bergamo | OneFootball

FC Bayern will face Atalanta Bergamo in the last 16 of the Champions League – and thus an opponent they have never met in a competitive match before. The Italians beat Borussia Dortmund in the play-offs, while the record champions qualified directly for the last 16 thanks to their strong run in the league

The team at Säbener Straße is aware that the current seventh-placed team in Serie A will be an unpleasant opponent

Christoph Freund speaks of a „very interesting match against a top Italian team“. The sporting director emphasizes the intensity and home strength of the Bergamaschi: „In the play-offs against Dortmund, you saw how strong Atalanta are at home. The team can generate a lot of pressure, play very aggressively and have a high quality.“ Nevertheless, Freund is confident: „If we bring our energy and performance to the pitch, we have a good chance of reaching the next round.“

Sporting director Max Eberl commented after the draw on pay-TV channel Sky: „I believe that the Dortmund exit is a big warning. Atalanta or Italian teams per se are incredibly stable, incredibly good in terms of structure or tactics. … A task that is definitely ambitious, but we want to progress.“

„I think they can move mountains on a good day at home“

Manuel Neuer has also been following the Italians‘ recent performances closely. „You’ve seen how well Atalanta play at home,“ explained the Bayern captain. In particular, the force of their performance in their own stadium has left an impression. „I believe that on a good day at home, they can move mountains.“

Neuer does not necessarily see the fact that the first leg will take place in Bergamo as a disadvantage: „We’ll know where we stand afterwards.“ He is also attracted by the international nature of the clash: „Of course, it has more Champions League flair to face an Italian team than a German one like Leverkusen.“

Tah expects intense soccer

Jonathan Tah is also familiar with Atalanta from previous matches. „They’re a good opponent, they play intense soccer,“ said the centre-back, adding that the games against Dortmund had shown „what they can do“. Tah’s assessment of the home tie in the second leg is rather sober: „In the end, it’s about winning two games and progressing.“

For FC Bayern, the starting position is clear: respect yes, fear no. Atalanta will bring speed, aggression and home strength – but Munich will go into the first meeting in the club’s history with a broad chest.