Atalanta BC missed out on the chance to secure an automatic spot in the next round of the Champions League courtesy of a 2-2 draw with Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday night.
As it transpired, a point was not enough to finish in the top eight of the overall table, with the Italian outfit claiming ninth, meaning that they will have to win a playoff in order to be present in the next round.
As for Barcelona, their spot in the next stage had already been guaranteed ahead of kickoff, and Hansi Flick's side have secured second behind Liverpool, boasting 19 points from their eight matches in the competition.
Twice Barcelona led on Wednesday evening through Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo, but Ederson and Mario Pasalic answered back for an Atalanta outfit that can be proud of their return of 15 points from eight matches in the league phase.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Iconsport
Barcelona's work had been done ahead of this match, and the Catalan outfit might have their issues domestically at the moment, but their form in the Champions League this season has been terrific.
Yamal and Raphinha were again excellent on Wednesday night, and Barcelona have to be contenders to advance deep into the competition this term considering the strength of their squad.
The focus was on Atalanta here, though, and the Italians have been made to settle for a playoff spot, which will be a disappointment, but not too many sides will relish taking on what is a very strong Serie A outfit.
Atalanta showed character to twice fight back against Barcelona, and they are also capable of making an impression in the knockout round, providing that the team can navigate their way through the playoffs.
This was a high-class and highly-entertaining Champions League fixture, with 11 shots on target in total, and the supporters were certainly given value for money in the 2-2 draw at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
BARCELONA VS. ATALANTA HIGHLIGHTS
36th min: Barcelona 0-0 Atalanta (Davide Zappacosta disallowed goal)
The breakthrough looks to have arrived in the 36th minute of the match, with Zappacosta finding the back of the net from close range for Atalanta, but his effort is chalked off following a VAR check - it is offside, and the score stays goalless approaching the break.
47th min: Barcelona 1-0 Atalanta (Lamine Yamal)
Barcelona score just after the half-time break, and the goal comes from Yamal, who rounds the goalkeeper before finishing into the back of the net following an excellent pass from Raphinha - Atalanta's resistance is broken here.
67th min: Barcelona 1-1 Atalanta (Ederson)
Atalanta level the scores in the 67th minute of the contest, as Ederson fires one into the back of the net from outside the box; it is a wonderful strike from the midfielder, who is believed to be on the radar of a number of major clubs.
72nd min: Barcelona 2-1 Atalanta (Ronald Araujo)
The game's third goal comes for Barcelona in the 72nd minute, with Araujo heading a corner from Raphinha into the back of the net - not entirely sure where the marking was from the away side there.
80th min: Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta (Mario Pasalic)
Atalanta level the scores again, this time at 2-2, in the 80th minute, with Pasalic controlling a cross from Marten de Roon inside the Barcelona box before managing to squeeze his effort into the back of the net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - RAPHINHA
© Iconsport
Raphinha came up with two assists during another wonderful performance, and he was undoubtedly the star of the show on Wednesday night, with Atalanta struggling to deal with the ex-Leeds United attacker.
The 28-year-old had four shots in total, while he finished with a pass success rate of 89%, and he just beats teammate Yamal to this award, with the 17-year-old another standout performer for the hosts.
BARCELONA VS. ATALANTA MATCH STATS
Possession: Barcelona 68%-32% Atalanta
Shots: Barcelona 16-9 Atalanta
Shots on target: Barcelona 7-4 Atalanta
Corners: Barcelona 7-4 Atalanta
Fouls: Barcelona 7-13 Atalanta
BEST STAT
Lamine Yamal just scored his 10th goal of the season:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025
🥅 28 games
⚽️ 10 goals
🅰️ 13 assists
Still 17. Still unreal. 💫 pic.twitter.com/d9H3MtpEn2
WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona will be aiming to make it successive wins in Spain's top flight when they take on Alaves on Sunday afternoon; Flick's side are currently third in the La Liga table, seven points behind the leaders Real Madrid.
Atalanta, meanwhile, will continue their domestic campaign with a home fixture against Torino on Saturday evening; La Dea are third in the Serie A table, seven points behind the leaders Napoli.
The Italians will learn their playoff opponents on Friday, and it will be either Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.
Matt Law
