Bayern’s teenage goalkeeper set to start in Champions League

Bayern Munich are now facing a severe goalkeeping crisis as they head into the Champions League last 16 second leg against Atalanta. 

The club confirmed on Sunday that Sven Ulreich has suffered an injury, meaning all three first-team keepers are now sidelined. 

Ulreich sustained the knock during Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Bayer Leverkusen. 

This leaves head coach Vincent Kompany with no senior goalkeeper available for the key European tie, forcing him to scramble for a solution. 

Manuel Neuer, the first-choice keeper, has been out for some time with an injury. Jonas Urbig is also unavailable after picking up a concussion.

Ulreich was the stand-in, but he has been diagnosed with a muscle tear in his right adductor and will miss the match. 

He was only called up because of Urbig’s concussion, which occurred in the first leg of the midweek Champions League win over Atalanta. In that game in Bergamo, Bayern thrashed Atalanta 6-1, with Michael Olise scoring two goals and providing an assist. 

The result gives Bayern a comfortable lead in the two-legged tie, positioning them well to reach the quarter-finals.

During the Leverkusen match and the first leg, 16-year-old Leonard Prescott was named as a substitute. 

With no other options, the youngster is now likely to start in goal for the second leg at home. This will represent a huge step up for Prescott, who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight for a major Champions League game. 

Kompany will manage the team carefully to support the teenager and keep the defense solid. The Bundesliga leaders will rely on their attacking strength, spearheaded by Olise, to overcome the unusual challenge. 

Despite the crisis, Bayern remain favorites to advance, but the debut of Prescott adds an intriguing subplot to the tie. 

The club and fans will watch closely to see if the young goalkeeper can rise to the occasion. The match could define Prescott’s early career.