Atalanta captain says team learned a lot about itself in dismantling by Bayern Munich

Munich, Germany - March 18: Marten de Roon of Atalanta BC gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images Captain Marten de Roon didn’t shy away from the gulf in class after Atalanta BC fell 4-1 to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League—and his full quote captures both the frustration and admiration that defined the night: “We have a lot to learn from this team. We tried to press them at home and that didn’t work, so we sat deeper, and they still scored four goals.

We played against a truly extraordinary opponent. Italian teams have much to learn from these sides, in their movements and their pace. We are too static, too tactical, and even the referees in Europe let play flow much better without stopping and starting all the time,” De Roon told Amazon Prime (as captured by Football Italia via @iMiaSanMia ).

“Kane was playing as a striker, a right-back and a left-back at different times. You have to run so much to keep up. I think Bayern Munich are the favorites to win the Champions League, they impressed me so much tonight, and that was without Musiala, Olise and Kimmich.

We’ve got to be as humble as they are. ” It was a candid assessment and one that speaks to more than just a single result. Atalanta tried multiple defensive strategies — pressing high and sitting deep — but Bayern Munich solved both with ease.