Tom Bischof reserves special mention for Bayern Munich’s two debutants after 4-1 win over Atalanta

Munich — Tom Bischof, the 20-year-old Germany U-21 international, hailed Bayern Munich’s faith in youth after the Bavarians sealed a 4-1 home victory over Atalanta Bergamo, reserving special praise for Champions League debutants Deniz Ofli and Filip Pavić.

Bischof, handed a rare start at left-back before shifting into midfield following Aleksandar Pavlović’s withdrawal, was forced off with an injury midway through the second half. Speaking to Bayern’s official website after the final whistle, he stressed that the squad’s focus never wavered despite the comfortable score-line.

“It’s not always easy to keep the focus high in a game like this, but I think we did that really well,” Bischof said. “The coach made it clear to us that we had to give 100 percent, which I think we showed on the pitch.”

The midfielder-turned-defender highlighted Harry Kane’s second-half strike as the moment that put the tie to bed. “Harry’s second goal was awesome. I think I was one of the first to go over to him and I said: ‘Go to the fans, celebrate that!’ At first I thought he was going to lay the ball off, but then he does the turn – and he can just shoot. He’s proven that again.”

Bischof was equally effusive about Bayern’s emerging talents. “Deniz Ofli initiated the third goal straight away – that was brilliant. And I believe Filip Pavić is Bayern’s youngest player in the Champions League. We all congratulated him. It just shows that the coach trusts us and rewards performances in training.”

The victory keeps Bayern on course for a blockbuster quarter-final date with Real Madrid, a fixture Bischof insists the squad is relishing. “The match against Real Madrid will obviously be special. Everyone’s really up for it. We don’t fear anyone. I think it’s going to be a great battle.”

Having progressed through the club’s academy, Bischof sees the growing pathway from the youth ranks to the first team as a source of collective pride. “We’re all delighted that more and more youngsters are getting their chances,” he added, hinting that sustained trust from the coaching staff could translate into an expanded role for him next season.

Bayern’s next assignment is the small matter of a two-legged tie with 14-time European champions Real Madrid, with the first leg scheduled for early April.