Bayern Munich faces a goalkeeping crisis ahead of its Champions League last-16 second leg against Atalanta, potentially starting 16-year-old Leonard Prescott. Injuries have sidelined several options, though manager Vincent Kompany reported positive updates on recoveries. The first leg ended with Bayern winning 6-1 in Bergamo.
Bayern Munich holds a commanding 6-1 lead from the first leg of its Champions League last-16 tie against Atalanta, played in Bergamo. The second leg, set for Wednesday at Bayern's home, could feature an unusual debut due to injuries in goal. Jonas Urbig started the first leg but was substituted with a concussion. Manuel Neuer remained unavailable then, while Sven Ulreich featured in Bayern's recent 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Bayer Leverkusen before suffering a muscle injury. Fourth-choice Leon Klanac is out with a hamstring issue, leaving Prescott as the next option if needed. Leonard Prescott, aged 16, would step up only if all others fail fitness tests. In Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Vincent Kompany shared encouraging news. 'I wasn’t surprised that Manuel Neuer was back [in training] but pleased: that he’s there again, that Jonas Urbig is training again,' Kompany said. He added, 'But the decision will be a purely medical one. If everything goes as expected, Urbig will start in goal. And if not, we’ll find another solution.' Confirming Prescott as the backup, Kompany noted, 'Yes.' He described the teenager as 'quite calm' and emphasized team support: 'If he must play, he’ll have our full support and backing. We have a lot of good players who will then help him.' Kompany contrasted Prescott's youth with Ulreich's experience but affirmed the staff's composure.
