Charles De Ketelaere is proud of Atalanta fans and insists the team wants to ‘enjoy the evening’ in the Champions League trip to Bayern Munich.
It kicks off at the Allianz Arena in Munich at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
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You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
The 6-1 first leg defeat makes qualification for the quarter-finals frankly improbable, but they were still applauded off the field by their fans at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
That spirit is what carries the team here to Munich against one of the favourites to win the Champions League outright, as almost 4,000 fans made the trip to Germany.
De Ketelaere admires Atalanta fan attitude
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Atalanta BC coach Raffaele Palladino issues instructions to his player Charles De Ketelaere during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at New Balance Arena on December 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“Many have come here, it’s wonderful that they are supporting us even after last week’s game, we saw how positive and wonderful our fans are. It’s great to play for them,” De Ketelaere told Sky Sport Italia.
The Belgium international is back in the starting XI for the first time since suffering meniscus damage in the 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Juventus on February 5.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Fans of Atalanta show their support prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“I am really eager after being out for a month, it was tough for me, so I want to get back to playing at my level, and this is a good game to do it in.”
Atalanta have struggled lately, as they are the only Italian side in March stretched out over three tournaments, so are without a victory since beating Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on February 25.
That was followed by three draws and two defeats between Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Champions League.
“We said to ourselves that this is a Champions League game, we must enjoy the evening, and try to prove that we are capable of having our say,” concluded De Ketelaere.
