Teenagers Deniz Ofli (2nd l.) and Filip Pavić (c.) enjoyed debuts to remember as Bayern beat Atalanta 4-1 in Munich to progress 10-2 on aggregate. - © IMAGO/DeFodi.de

bundesliga

Bayern Munich youngsters make history amid UEFA Champions League heroics against Atalanta

18.03.2026

Teenage defenders Filip Pavić and Deniz Ofli both made their Bayern Munich debuts in the 4-1 second leg win over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, while rising star Lennart Karl clocked up further records.

The 4-1 win marked the latest magical European night in Munich - and it was an evening the trio of the young Bayern talents will never forget.

Ofli, 18, enjoyed a dream debut. Less than a minute after coming on as a substitute for Aleksandar Pavlović shortly before the hour mark, he won the ball on the left launched the attack for Karl to strike Bayern's third goal of the evening.

Filip Pavić is also a Germany U16 international. - IMAGO/Ulrich Wagner

Having turned 18 himself last month, Karl became the second youngest German to score in the Champions League knockout stages after Jamal Musiala. And by assisting Luis Díaz for Bayern's fourth, became the youngest from his country to score and assist in a single game in the competition.

There was still time for another milestone as Pavić was introduced for Josip Stanišić in the 72nd minute to become the second-youngest player to appear for Bayern in club history, less than two months after turning 16 on 19 January. Only Paul Wanner has featured for the senior team at a younger age.

Pavić is also the third-youngest player in Champions League history and the first player ever born in 2010 to appear in the competition.

Three more young talents were involved in the matchday squad as unused substitutes: 16-year-old goalkeeper Leonard Prescott, 19-year-old shot-stopper Jannis Bärtl and 20-year-old Vincent Manuba.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said after the match: "It's not easy to get playing time at Bayern as a young player. That's why I hope they enjoy these moments."