Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid Secure Spots in Champions League Quarter-Finals

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich crushed Atalanta 4-1 in the Champions League round of 16 second leg on March 18, 2026, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 10-2 aggregate score. The result confirmed Bayern's dominance over the Italian side across both legs, having already won the first leg 6-1. Kane's brace brought his personal tally to 50 Champions League goals. The draw for the quarter-finals subsequently confirmed Bayern will face Real Madrid. Liverpool and Arsenal also secured their places in the last eight.

Kane reaches 50 Champions League goals with clinical brace Kane's two goals in Munich underlined his status as one of the competition's most prolific strikers, reaching the milestone of 50 Champions League goals. After the match, the England captain was unequivocal about Bayern's ambitions for the remainder of the tournament. „At this point we don't care who we draw because they are all top clubs. We fear no one. We know that if we reach our level, then we can beat anyone. But quarterfinals and semifinals in the Champions League are difficult, but that applies to everyone.” — Harry Kane via Süddeutsche Zeitung Kane addressed the prospect of facing Real Madrid directly, acknowledging the weight of the fixture while refusing to concede any psychological advantage. „Real is an incredible club with an incredible history. But as I said before, we fear no one.” — Harry Kane via Süddeutsche Zeitung He also dismissed the significance of Real Madrid's individual roster, including the return from injury of Jude Bellingham, insisting the outcome would depend on Bayern's own performance.

Kompany eyes Real Madrid clash as the ultimate test Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany expressed open enthusiasm for the quarter-final draw, framing the prospect of facing Real Madrid as a motivating challenge rather than a threat. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Kompany's post-match comments were made after what the outlet described as a 2-1 win in a return leg against Lazio Rome, though web search results and multiple other sources confirm the actual result on March 18 was a 4-1 victory over Atalanta — the Lazio reference in that article appears to be a mislabeled or erroneous contextual detail. Kompany's sentiment, however, was consistent with the broader post-match atmosphere. „What can be better than a quarterfinal against Real? There are not many teams left. I don't know if we are the favorites. What I know is that everyone can write us off if they want. But then maybe, maybe, this is exactly the kind of game and the kind of challenge we need to get to our best level.” — Vincent Kompany via Süddeutsche Zeitung The Belgian coach, who has led Bayern through a dominant run in the competition, appeared to relish the opportunity to test his side against the most decorated club in the tournament's history. Bayern Munich have been one of the most successful clubs in Champions League history, having won the competition multiple times. Atalanta, based in Bergamo, Italy, have established themselves as a consistent presence in European competition in recent years, including winning the UEFA Europa League in the 2023-24 season according to web search results. The 10-2 aggregate scoreline across the two legs represents a comprehensive elimination of the Italian club.

Atletico survive Tottenham fightback to reach last eight In the other second leg played on March 18, Atletico Madrid reached the quarter-finals despite losing the second leg 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur, advancing 7-5 on aggregate, according to Reuters. Tottenham, managed by interim manager Igor Tudor, produced a spirited performance that the New York Times described as a night when Spurs rediscovered their pride, but the result was not enough to overturn the deficit from the first leg. Tudor had been boosted ahead of the match by the return to training of several players, according to reports from BBC Sport. Atletico's progression means Diego Simeone's side will also feature in the quarter-final draw alongside Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal. The quarter-final draw confirmed Bayern Munich against Real Madrid as one of the standout ties of the round.

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Bayern München, Atalanta, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid