Atalanta Clash with Bayern Munich: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Bayern Munich's European journey continues this Tuesday evening as they meet Atalanta, the team that eliminated Borussia Dortmund, in the opening match of their round of 16 encounter.

Dortmund appeared destined to potentially set up the first European Klassiker since the 2013 showpiece after establishing a 2–0 advantage at the midpoint of their playoff clash with La Dea. However, in typical BVB style, they crumbled in Bergamo.

Atalanta's commanding 4–1 second-leg triumph, clinched in dramatic fashion by an excellent Lazar Samardžić spot-kick following a disastrous Dortmund defensive breakdown, ensures they'll meet Bayern for the first time in an official match.

Vincent Kompany's squad appears ready to cruise to the Bundesliga championship, having already demonstrated their European ambitions during the group stage. They concluded in second place behind the flawless Arsenal, with a 3–1 loss in north London representing their sole setback.

Indeed, Bayern have suffered only two defeats across all tournaments this season, remaining in the hunt for four potential trophies before the 2025–26 season concludes.

Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich Score Prediction

Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich Score Prediction

Bayern Challenge Too Demanding for La Dea

Bayern Challenge Too Demanding for La Dea

Atalanta capitalized completely on Dortmund's ingrained weaknesses during the playoff stage, reversing a two-goal disadvantage in Bergamo. That triumph should motivate La Dea, who reached the quarterfinals under Gian Piero Gasperini in 2019–20.

Nevertheless, they only had to overcome Valencia in the round of 16 during that run. This Bayern squad presents an entirely different challenge.

Kompany's team hasn't allowed a surprising loss to Augsburg to disrupt their momentum, securing six consecutive wins across all competitions since. A 3–2 triumph in Der Klassiker at February's end has virtually guaranteed another Bundesliga crown, and Kompany will soon focus on Bayern's path to Budapest.

Prediction: Atalanta 1–3 Bayern Munich

Atalanta Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich

Atalanta Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich

Atalanta have impressively managed a hectic period without key forward Charles De Ketelaere, who remains sidelined due to a knee problem.

The talented Belgian star will be unavailable for the first leg, though he has a slim possibility of featuring in Munich next week. Palladino will also hope to have January signing Giacomo Raspadori ready for the return fixture. Both players were absent from the stunning comeback against Borussia Dortmund.

Éderson and Giorgio Scalvini represent two other major fitness concerns for the home side.

Davide Zappacosta delivered an outstanding performance in the playoff victory over Dortmund, and should reclaim his starting position on the right flank. Nicola Zalewski, Marten De Roon and Berat Djimsiti will also return to the first eleven.

Atalanta predicted lineup vs. Bayern Munich (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolašinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Pašalić, Bernasconi; Samardžić, Zalewski; Scamacca.

Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Atalanta

Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Atalanta

Harry Kane's quest to surpass Robert Lewandowski's single-season Bundesliga goal record suffered a setback when he missed Friday evening's comfortable win over Mönchengladbach due to injury, but the England captain has resumed training before the first leg.

He'll almost definitely return to Kompany's starting formation on Tuesday evening.

Manuel Neuer experienced a fitness complication on Friday and will probably be substituted by Jonas Urbig in goal for the Bergamo clash. Hiroki Ito is also unavailable for the away team, though there's optimism that Alphonso Davies might feature. The Canadian defender is nearing full recovery from his muscular issue.

Michael Olise and Aleksandar Pavlović will certainly earn starting spots after both remained on the bench during Bayern's latest Bundesliga success.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs. Atalanta (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Stanišić; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Musiala, Díaz; Kane.

What Time Does Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich Kick-Off?

What Time Does Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich Kick-Off?

How to Watch Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich on TV

How to Watch Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich on TV