Bayern Munich hit Atalanta for six in Champions League rout

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Atalanta 1-6 Bayern Munich: The German giants ran rampant in Bergamo even without star man Harry Kane

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Bayern Munich crushed hosts Atalanta 6-1 in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday with a devastating display that left the Italian side shell-shocked before the interval.

The German giants seized control from the outset and never looked back, racing to a three-goal lead within 25 minutes.

Harry Kane, who is not yet back to full fitness, was an unused substitute as Bayern’s attack overwhelmed their opponents, who never managed to gain a foothold in the match.

But Vincent Kompany’s side suffered a blow as Canada star Alphonso Davies pulled up in the 70th minute, covering his face in distress as he left the field with an as yet unknown injury.

Teammates gathered around to shield him from cameras before Bayern staff helped him off the pitch, and he was consoled by Kompany on the sidelines after another setback in an injury-hit career.

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There were further worries as Jamal Musiala picked up an ankle issue and limped off in added time, while back-up keeper Jonas Urbig - in for the injured Manuel Neuer - was hurt in a collision with Nikola Krstovic.

Josip Stanisic opened the floodgates for the visitors in the 12th minute, tapping the ball into an empty net after receiving a precise pass from Serge Gnabry.

Ten minutes later, Michael Olise unleashed a powerful curling shot that nestled into the far corner of the net to double Bayern’s advantage.

The first-half barrage concluded when Olise turned provider, delivering a pass to Gnabry whose low shot found the net following a burst into the box to extend the visitors' lead to three.

Bayern maintained their relentless momentum after the break with Nicolas Jackson netting their fourth goal seven minutes into the second half.

Olise added his second in the 64th minute before Musiala completed the rout with a precise close-range volley in the 67th.

Atalanta's task was made even more difficult by the absence of key players Ederson, Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori against a Bayern side that secured second place in the league phase to advance directly to the last 16.

Mario Pasalic pulled one back for Atalanta deep in stoppage time, though the goal failed to lift the hosts' spirits ahead of next Wednesday's return leg at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern will look to complete the formalities.

Reuters

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