If Atalanta are to stage one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history, Bayern Munich are definitely helping them along.
The Italian side have next-to-no chance of overturning a 6-1 deficit away in Germany, but there could be something in the water.
Bayern’s No.1 and captain Manuel Neuer is already injured, and back-up Jonas Urbig isn’t allowed to play the second leg having suffered a concussion at the end of the first.
Third-choice Sven Ulreich came in and played well against Bayer Leverkusen, but now he’s incredibly been ruled out too.
Bayern said in a statement: “Sven Ulreich suffered a muscle tear in his right adductor in the 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
“That’s the outcome of a thorough examination by the FC Bayern medical department. The goalkeeper is therefore sidelined for the time being.”
Against Leverkusen, 16-year-old Leonard Prescott was on the bench, and is the most likely option should none of the three senior shot-stoppers make a surprise recovery.
Bayern actually have a fourth choice of sorts, Leon Klanac, but he too is out with a long-term injury.
It gets worse
To make matters even more dire for Bayern, lost Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies to injury in the first leg.
Then, in a moment of self-inflicted arrogance, Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise both appeared to intentionally pick up second yellow cards for time-wasting.
That rules them out of the second leg, with the plan of having a clear-slate for the quarter-finals.
Get your shots away early, Atalanta…
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