Luis Diaz acknowledges Bayern Munich will face a tough challenge at Atalanta

The tie is being billed as a showdown of tactical philosophies: Bayern's precision versus Atalanta's relentless pressure.

Bayern enter the fixture in scorching form, boasting a lethal attacking unit and having dominated the Bundesliga this season. With their sights firmly set on Budapest, the Bavarians are now serious contenders for the Champions League title, but this tie marks their first real test on the road.

Atalanta, who famously knocked out Borussia Dortmund in the playoffs, have earned a reputation for dismantling German giants.

The Italians rely on an intense man-marking system and will enjoy home-field advantage at the New Balance Arena, which could prove decisive in curbing Bayern's attacking threat.

"Things will now be more difficult compared to the league phase, because it's now the best teams that remain," Diaz said.

"Every team in the Round of 16 deserves to be there. Atalanta is a great club - it'll be a tough job for us. Having home advantage in the second leg is very important.

"You can analyze what happened in the first leg and then focus on those details for the second leg at home with our fans behind us." 

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