Kompany fuels a special youth momentum at FC Bayern

The 4-1 victory over Atalanta Bergamo not only saw Bayern Munich progress to the Champions League quarter-finals; it also served as a striking testament to the club’s current excellence in developing young talent. Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich remained sidelined with muscle injuries, while Jonas Urbig recovered from a concussion sustained in the 6-1 first leg.

Urbig said: “Otherwise, one of the lads would have played,” and “And they would have done just that.” Two further youngsters made their debuts as substitutes: left-back Deniz Ofli (18) and centre-back Filip Pavic. At 16 years, one month and 27 days, Pavic became the youngest player ever to feature for FC Bayern in the Champions League and the second youngest of all time after Paul Wanner.

Ofli set up Lennart Karl’s goal seconds after coming on by winning the ball, while Pavic completed 33 out of 33 passes. Sporting director Max Eberl said: “The lads have justified the trust placed in them. Both slotted in very solidly straight away.

Germany, Munich

bayern munich, champions league, atalanta bergamo, youth development, filip pavic, deniz ofli, jonas urbig, paul wanner, max eberl, youngest player