Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta 6–1 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, putting the German giants on the brink of the quarter-finals

Bayern Munich delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday night, thrashing Atalanta 6–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie to move within touching distance of the quarter-finals.

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The German champions seized control early and never looked back, with Josip Stanišić opening the scoring in the 12th minute before a standout display from Michael Olise, who netted twice, helped power the visitors to a dominant victory.

Further goals from Serge Gnabry, Nicolas Jackson and Jamal Musiala completed the emphatic scoreline.

The resounding win leaves Bayern firmly in control of the tie ahead of the return leg in Munich next week, with the Bundesliga side now widely expected to progress barring a dramatic turnaround.

Bayern asserted their authority from the opening minutes, pressing relentlessly despite both Harry Kane and Musiala starting the match on the bench.

Olise immediately threatened the hosts, forcing two early saves from Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi within the first five minutes.

The breakthrough arrived after a cleverly worked corner routine. Olise rolled the ball short to Gnabry, who found Stanišić unmarked in the penalty area, allowing the defender to convert from close range.

Olise soon added his own name to the scoresheet, drifting in from the right flank in the 22nd minute before curling a precise effort into the net for his second Champions League goal of the campaign.

The France international continued to influence the contest moments later, setting up Bayern’s third goal as Gnabry raced through on goal to extend the lead and effectively end the contest as a competitive affair before half-time.

Bayern’s relentless attacking display left Atalanta struggling to respond, with Gnabry also striking the crossbar as the visitors maintained control.

Coach Vincent Kompany introduced Musiala and Alphonso Davies after the interval, further strengthening an already dominant Bayern side.

Jackson drilled home the fourth goal in the 52nd minute before Olise produced arguably the most spectacular moment of the night with a brilliant strike in the 64th minute.

Just three minutes later, Jackson turned provider, setting up Musiala to guide Bayern’s sixth goal and underline the visitors’ superiority.

Atalanta eventually found a late consolation through Mario Pašalić in stoppage time, but the goal did little to change the outcome of a match that had long been decided.

The defeat leaves Atalanta facing a daunting task in the second leg and could mark the end of Italian representation in this season’s Champions League.

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For Bayern Munich, the powerful performance not only reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for the European title but also set up the prospect of a blockbuster quarter-final clash against either Real Madrid or Manchester City.