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Ivan Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, says he is an ‘Atalanta fan’ because of his compatriot Mario Pasalic: ‘Anything is possible’ against Bayern Munich.
Atalanta have been paired with Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.
The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, today. See how it unfolded on the live blog.
Rakitic: Pasalic is one of my favourite players
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Ex-Barcelona star Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, took charge of today’s Champions League draw and spoke to Sky Sport Italia afterwards.
The former Croatia international was asked his thoughts on Atalanta, the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16 this season.
“I’m an Atalanta fan because of Mario Pasalic, one of my favourite players for a few years,” the ex-midfielder replied (via TMW).
Rakitic won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, scoring a goal in a 3-1 victory against Juventus in the Final.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates and fans during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio di Bergamo on February 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I support Atalanta. They showed against Dortmund that if you believe and work hard, you can reach certain results,” Rakitic continued.
“Now anything can happen in two games. They must push, believe and work hard. Then they have Mario Pasalic, so anything is possible.”
a RIJEKA, CROATIA – OCTOBER 11: Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic of Croatia in discussion during a Croatia training session ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against England at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 11, 2018 in Rijeka, Croatia. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the knockout play-off, securing a 4-3 aggregate win.
La Dea completed a stunning comeback in the second-leg tie played in Bergamo on Wednesday, beating the Bundesliga side 4-1 after losing the opening tie in Germany 2-0.