Bayern Munich will face Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League last 16. The Italian side has a strong record against Bundesliga teams. Josip Stanisic has a personal score to settle.
Stanisic’s Personal Motivation
Josip Stanisic is determined to avoid another defeat against Atalanta. He recalls the 2024 Europa League final in Dublin, where, as a Bayer Leverkusen player alongside his current Bayern teammate Jonathan Tah, he suffered a painful loss.
Leverkusen, who were enjoying a perfect season, lost 3-0 to Bergamo. This defeat not only ruined their undefeated streak but also cost them the Europa League title. This experience still affects Stanisic.
Atalanta’s Impressive Record Against German Teams
Atalanta have been a challenging opponent for Bundesliga teams. Since 2020, they have played nine games against German teams, winning six, drawing one, and losing only twice.
Some of these victories were decisive. Eintracht Frankfurt also lost 3-0, and Stuttgart were defeated 2-0. Borussia Dortmund managed to win one of their recent five matches against German opponents, securing a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs. However, they lost the return leg 4-1 to Atalanta.
Bayern’s Preparation and Similarities in Style
Aside from Josip Stanisic and Jonathan Tah, Bayern Munich lack direct experience playing against Atalanta Bergamo. The two teams have never played each other before. Bayern Munich’s record against Italian teams is slightly positive, and they enter the match as favourites.
Bayern and Bergamo share similarities in their playing styles. Both teams focus on one-on-one battles across the pitch. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany acknowledges Atalanta’s impressive development and is wary of underestimating them, recognising their belief in achieving something special.
Such opponents, driven by unwavering belief and fighting spirit, always pose a threat. Josip Stanisic believes Bayern know how to respond. “We know that a strong opponent is coming at us, that plays one-on-one across the whole pitch, that won’t let up from the first second and gives it their all. But we also know that we have been giving it our all every day in training for the past year and a half and that we are one.”