Bayern Munich took a giant step towards the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after hammering Atalanta 6-1 in their round-of-16 first-leg clash on Tuesday night, March 10.
The German champions produced a dominant display, racing into the lead in the 12th minute when Josip Stanisic finished from close range after a cleverly worked corner.
Michael Olise was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring twice and causing constant problems for the Atalanta defence. The winger curled home Bayern’s second in the 22nd minute before helping create the third moments later for Serge Gnabry.
Nicolas Jackson added a fourth shortly after the restart, while Olise struck again in the 64th minute. Substitute Jamal Musiala completed the rout minutes later.
Mario Pasalic pulled one back for Atalanta in stoppage time, but the Italian side were already well beaten.
The emphatic win leaves Bayern firmly in control ahead of the second leg in Munich.
In Madrid, Atletico Madrid punished a disastrous start by Tottenham Hotspur to claim a 5-2 win at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The hosts stormed into a four-goal lead inside the opening 22 minutes. Marcos Llorente opened the scoring after just six minutes following a mistake at the back by Spurs.
Antoine Griezmann added the second before another error allowed Julian Alvarez to score. Robin Le Normand then headed home the fourth.
Pedro Porro reduced the deficit for Tottenham before half-time, but Alvarez struck again after the break to make it five.
Substitute Dominic Solanke grabbed another goal for Spurs late on to give the visitors a slim chance ahead of the return leg.
At St James’ Park, Newcastle United were denied victory by a late penalty as they drew 1-1 with FC Barcelona.
Harvey Barnes thought he had secured a crucial first-leg win when he volleyed home from Jacob Murphy’s cross with four minutes remaining.
However, deep into stoppage time, Malick Thiaw tripped Dani Olmo inside the penalty area.
Lamine Yamal converted from the spot to level the tie heading into the second leg in Spain.
Earlier in Istanbul, Galatasaray secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Victor Osimhen set up the only goal of the match in the seventh minute, heading a corner across goal for Mario Lemina to nod past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool pressed for an equaliser but failed to find a breakthrough, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg at Anfield.
Champions League Results (Round of 16, First Leg):
Atalanta 1-6 Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United 1-1 Barcelona
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
