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Barcelona‘s opportunity to claim top spot in the Champions League league phase slipped through their fingers as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Atalanta. The Italian side, despite missing injured Ademola Lookman, fought valiantly to earn a point, but ultimately fell short of their goal of securing an automatic last-16 berth.
With Liverpool losing 3-2 to PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona would have taken top spot with a win. However, Atalanta had other plans. After a goalless first half, Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half, converting Raphinha’s cross from the left. The Brazilian’s assist was his 12th involvement in Barcelona’s 28 Champions League goals this season.
Atalanta responded with a stunning strike from Ederson, who equalized from the edge of the box. The Italian side had held their own against high-flying Barcelona, but ultimately needed a victory to finish in the top eight. Barcelona regained the lead through Ronald Araujo’s diving header in the 72nd minute, but Atalanta refused to give up. Mario Pasalic prodded the ball past Wojciech Szczesny to level the score once again.
The draw meant Atalanta slipped to ninth place and will now enter the play-off round. They will face either Sporting or Club Brugge in the play-offs, with the second leg taking place in Italy. The draw for the play-offs is scheduled to take place at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, January 31.
Barcelona, meanwhile, bypass the play-offs and advance directly to the last 16. Their campaign has been nothing short of impressive, with 28 goals scored in the Champions League this season, the most of any side. Only in the 2011-12 season have Barcelona scored more goals in their first eight Champions League matches.
Raphinha’s contributions have been noteworthy, with the Brazilian involved in 12 of Barcelona’s 28 Champions League goals. Only Lionel Messi and Luis Figo have been involved in more Barcelona goals in a single Champions League campaign.
