THE FIRST MEETING: WHY HAVE BAYERN MUNICH AND ATALANTA NEVER PLAYED EACH OTHER BEFORE?

Bayern Munich have drawn Atalanta in the Champions League last 16. Discover the dates, bracket details, and latest injury updates.

The First Meeting: Why have Bayern Munich and Atalanta never played each other before?
Bayern Munich to face Atalanta; potential Real Madrid/Man City quarter-final awaits

The draw’s done, and Bayern Munich will go up against Atalanta in the Champions League round of 16. The first leg’s in Bergamo, the second's back home at the Allianz Arena in Munich. If Bayern gets past Atalanta, things only get tougher; they’ll have to face either Real Madrid or Manchester City next. Meanwhile, the other side of the bracket looks a bit kinder. If Arsenal beats Bayer Leverkusen, they just have to deal with either Bodo Glimt or Sporting Lisbon.

But that’s the reality now, and Vincent Kompany’s got no choice but to keep his squad locked in, even with the growing injury list. Hiroki Ito’s the latest casualty; he picked up a muscle problem during training on Thursday at Säbener Straße.

Manuel Neuer, Bayern’s captain, has been out too since he left at halftime during the 3-0 win over Werder Bremen earlier this month. He was supposed to be back for the big Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund, but his recovery hit a snag. So, Jonas Urbig steps up again in goal.

There’s a real chance Neuer returns in time for the Atalanta matches, maybe even for both legs. Talking about Atalanta, Neuer made it clear: you can’t take them lightly. They just knocked out Dortmund after being down 2-0 from the first leg. He said, “We’ve had time to watch the games now, including Atalanta against Dortmund. Dortmund’s our next league opponent, and now Atalanta’s our Champions League rival. We saw how good Atalanta are at home; they can move mountains on their day. Honestly, it’s probably good we play in Bergamo first; after that, we’ll know exactly what we’re up against. Facing an Italian team in the Champions League just feels bigger than playing a German one like Leverkusen.”

This is actually the first time Bayern and Atalanta will meet. Still, Bayern knows what Italian sides can do. Atalanta recently beat Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart, and Eintracht Frankfurt in Europe. So, nobody’s underestimating them.

MATTHAUS WARNS KOMPANY: DO NOT CHANGE ATTACKING STYLE DESPITE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

Bayern have secured the Bundesliga! Read why Matthaus wants more "spectacular football" despite the 6-5 aggregate loss to PSG.

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Matthaus Demands Loyalty To Kompany’s Aggressive Tactical Vision - Photo Credit: IMAGO/Markus Ulmer

Lothar Matthaus has called on Vincent Kompany to continue with his attacking style, despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The German legend feels Bayern’s entertaining approach shouldn’t be altered even though their defence showed vulnerabilities during the 6-5 aggregate loss in the semi-finals.

After conceding six goals over two legs, Bayern’s Champions League run came to an end. While the defeat exposed defensive issues, it also highlighted the offensive strategy Kompany has brought to the team. These defensive struggles aren’t limited to Europe either; high-scoring Bundesliga matches, like the 4-3 win over Mainz and the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, have revealed a back line that’s still trying to find the right balance between taking risks and maintaining solidity.

Matthaus, who once captained Bayern, stresses that the club should stick with Kompany’s attacking mindset, even if it leaves them open at the back. He pointed out, “With such an attacking style of play, you can't defend everything, of course. Yes, they've conceded quite a few goals, but they’re still having a successful season and are close to winning the double. They’ve even made it to the Champions League semi-finals.”

The return of excitement at the Allianz Arena was clear, especially during the second leg when Ousmane Dembele’s early goal stunned the crowd. Although Harry Kane’s late equaliser wasn’t enough to turn the tie around, Matthaus sees positives in the bigger picture. He believes Bayern has brought back the thrill and flair fans expect.

“While Bayern didn’t play their best in the semi-final second leg against PSG, they have entertained throughout the year. I look forward to their matches because they’re usually packed with goals. Bayern stands for spectacular football, and this season has been no different. I wouldn’t move away from that style,” Matthaus shared.

With the focus shifting back to domestic competitions, Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga championship. They still have two league games left against Wolfsburg and Koln before preparing for the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart on May 23.

BAYERN MUNICH RULE OUT MARCUS RASHFORD MOVE REGARDLESS OF ANTHONY GORDON OUTCOME

Marcus Rashford is not a target for Bayern Munich this summer, as the club focuses entirely on signing Gordon from Newcastle.

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Bayern Munich excluded Marcus Rashford from their summer plans - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Bayern Munich aren’t considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, no matter what happens with Anthony Gordon. That’s according to a German reporter who’s close to the story.

Right now, Rashford is wrapping up his loan at Barcelona. He’s set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season. Barcelona have an option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£26 million) in the summer. Both Rashford and Barcelona want him to stay, but here’s the catch: the club doesn’t want to pay the full €30 million.

Barcelona would rather keep Rashford on loan for another year or get him for a lower fee. Manchester United’s not having it. They want the full price, so Barcelona are starting to look at other players.

Rashford hasn’t made a secret of where he wants to be. Earlier in the season, he told Sport, one of the local Barcelona papers, about how much he wants to stay, saying, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal.” He talked about the pressure and expectations at the club, saying they keep him motivated and that he feels like he’s in the perfect environment to grow and win trophies. For now, though, it’s all up in the air until next summer.

Last year, Bayern Munich actually showed some interest in Rashford before he went to Barcelona. But now, they’re focused on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for the left wing. The problem is, Gordon’s interested, but Newcastle’s price is ridiculous, reportedly around £80 million (€92.6 million). That’s much higher than what Bayern’s willing to pay. They’re thinking closer to £60 million (€69.4 million), and maybe with add-ons or an instalment plan. If Newcastle won’t budge, it probably isn’t happening.

Christian Falk, a trusted journalist from Bild, says Bayern aren’t considering Rashford as a backup if they can’t land Gordon. Bayern’s got a short list of players for the left wing, and Rashford isn’t on it. Gordon’s their main focus, but even if that deal falls through, Rashford’s not the next in line.

So at this stage, Bayern and Rashford won’t be coming together this summer, even if Gordon stays at Newcastle. That’s just not in the plans.

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