FC Bayern made an impressive statement in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, celebrating an emphatic 6-1 victory at Italian giants Atalanta Bergamo to book their place in the quarter-finals. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen was suitably impressed with the team’s performance after the game
The record champions dominated the encounter from the outset and hardly gave the BVB conquerors from Bergamo a chance. Bayern were already 3-0 up after 25 minutes and extended their lead after the break
For Dreesen, the way the team played out the victory was particularly decisive. The Bayern boss emphasized that the team continued to play consistently going forward despite their comfortable lead. „We knew that Atalanta had won four of their last five games against German teams, so we had to take them seriously,“ explained Dreesen at the post-match banquet
He was all the more impressed by the team’s performance: „Vincent and the team, you were well prepared. We were impressed by what we saw in the first half – and to be honest, even more so by the fact that you kept going in the second half.“
It is precisely this consistency that is a characteristic of top teams. „In my opinion, this is what distinguishes real top teams. We set an example today,“ emphasized the CEO
Quarter-finals within reach
The clear success in Bergamo has put Bayern in an excellent starting position for the second leg, with qualification for the quarter-finals already looking very likely after the clear first-leg result
Nevertheless, Dreesen does not want to speak of a sure thing too soon: „The door to the quarter-finals is now open, but we are not there yet,“ he made clear
The 58-year-old therefore expects a focused performance from his team in the second leg in Munich: „I’m sure you’ll approach the second leg with the same seriousness – also to offer our fans a top match in the Allianz Arena.“
Concerns about Davies, Musiala and Urbig
In addition to the sporting gala, however, several injuries also put a slight damper on the game. Three Bayern players had to leave the match with injuries. The all-clear has been given for Jonas Urbig in particular, although the keeper was taken to hospital for examination after a collision. „Jonas is in hospital, he has most likely suffered a concussion,“ explained Dreesen
Those responsible for Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are also hoping for a quick all-clear. „As for Phonzy, we all feel very sorry for him. We wish him a speedy recovery – we’ll know more about the injury when we return to Munich,“ said the Bayern boss
He also addressed personal words to Musiala: „Our thoughts are with you. You put in a great performance today and I’m sure you’ll get through this.“
Despite these worries, however, one thing prevails at FC Bayern after the gala in Bergamo: the great anticipation of the next matches in the Champions League.