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Atalanta Draws 2-2 at Barcelona, Faces Playoff Battle

Sports

Business Honor
30 January, 2025

Atalanta's 2-2 draws at Barcelona forces them into a Champions League playoff to reach the last 16.

Europa League champions Atalanta failed to qualify directly for the Champions League last 16 after they settled for a 2-2 draw against Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday. The Italian side, missing key forward Ademola Lookman due to a knee injury, finished ninth in the standings with 15 points, meaning they will have to go through the two-legged knockout phase playoff round to progress further in the competition.

Barcelona, who had already secured their place in the knockout rounds, took the lead early in the second half through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old forward found the net from close range in the 47th minute, putting the hosts ahead. However, Atalanta responded in the 67th minute when Ederson unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box that curled past Wojciech Szczesny into the left corner.

The Catalan giants were back on top just five minutes later with defender Ronald Araujo outmuscling the others to rise the highest in heading home a corner. However, Atalanta refused to go down with Mario Pasalic making sure that they left Spain with a point by slotting the ball between Szczesny's legs in the 79th minute.

Despite finishing second in the standings, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was content with his team's progress. "The result was OK," Flick said. "We played against a strong opponent. We can still improve defensively, but finishing second is a big success for the team."

Atalanta now faces a crucial playoff tie to stay in the tournament, with their opponents to be determined in Friday’s draw. The knockout playoff matches will take place on February 11-12 and February 18-19, where Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will aim to keep their Champions League hopes alive.