Barcelona Secure Second Place in Champions League Group After 2-2 Draw with Atalanta
Barcelona wrapped up their inaugural Champions League League Phase campaign in second place with a 2-2 draw against Atalanta at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night. Despite leading twice in the second half, the Blaugrana were unable to hold on to their advantage, with Atalanta fighting back on both occasions to snatch a point. As a result, Barcelona finish behind Liverpool in Group A, while Atalanta miss out on an automatic place in the last 16.
The game was relatively uneventful in the first half, with both teams playing with caution. Atalanta thought they had taken the lead through Davide Zappacosta in the 35th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Barcelona, meanwhile, struggled to break down Atalanta’s high press and man-marking defense, with their only real chances coming from long-range shots by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha that failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
In the second half, Barcelona quickly capitalized on Atalanta’s high defensive line. Just 90 seconds after the restart, Raphinha found Yamal, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net to give Barça the lead. However, Atalanta responded in the 66th minute through Éderson, whose powerful shot from outside the box leveled the score. Barcelona regained the lead just minutes later, as Ronald Araujo headed home a corner kick in the 72nd minute. But Atalanta weren’t done yet, as Mario Pašalić scored the equalizer in the 79th minute, nutmegging goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny with a low strike.
Barcelona pushed for a winner in the final stages, with Ferran Torres coming close to scoring, but Atalanta held firm, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite the draw, Barcelona’s second-place finish in the group means they will avoid facing the other group winners in the round of 16.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly in the second half. “The result was OK,” he said. “We played against an opponent with a very good team, a great philosophy. The first goal was good to see, and I’m happy with how the team responded after Atalanta equalized.”
Flick also acknowledged the areas for improvement, particularly defensively. “We have to analyse everything and make it better,” he added. “We need to defend better as a team. There is still potential to do even more, and now we will have time to work on that.”
Atalanta, missing key striker Ademola Lookman due to injury, were left to reflect on a missed opportunity to secure a top-eight finish. The Serie A side finished the League Phase in ninth place on 15 points and will now face a two-legged playoff to secure their place in the last 16. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini made attacking substitutions in the final minutes to try and find a winner, but his team was forced to finish the game with 10 men after Giorgio Scalvini suffered a shoulder injury.