Barcelona conclude their Champions League league phase campaign with a high-stakes encounter against Atalanta at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. While La Blaugrana have already secured their place in the last 16, the Italian side still have everything to play for as they chase a coveted top-eight finish to avoid the play-offs.
This is a battle between two of Europe’s most exciting attacking teams, and fans can expect fireworks in Catalonia. Can Atalanta pull off a shock and secure automatic qualification, or will Barcelona continue their dominant European form? Let’s dive into the details.
Match Details: Barcelona vs Atalanta
- 📍 Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
- ⏰ Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- 📺 Broadcast: TNT Sports, Paramount+
- 👨⚖️ Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
- 🎥 VAR: Jarred Gillett (England)
Head-to-Head Record
📌 This will be the first-ever competitive fixture between Barcelona and Atalanta.
Despite both clubs being regulars in European competition, they have never faced each other in an official match. However, given their attacking philosophies, this promises to be a thrilling first encounter.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Barcelona
📈 Recent Results:
- ✅ Barcelona 7-1 Valencia – 26/01/25
- ✅ Benfica 4-5 Barcelona – 21/01/25
- 🔄 Getafe 1-1 Barcelona – 18/01/25
- ✅ Barcelona 5-1 Real Betis – 15/01/25
- ✅ Real Madrid 2-5 Barcelona – 12/01/25
📊 Key Stats:
- Barcelona have won six of their seven Champions League matches this season.
- They have scored the most goals (22) in the competition so far.
- Raphinha has contributed five goals in his last three games.
Atalanta
📈 Recent Results:
- ✅ Como 1-2 Atalanta – 25/01/25
- ✅ Atalanta 5-0 Sturm Graz – 21/01/25
- ❌ Atalanta 2-3 Napoli – 18/01/25
- 🔄 Atalanta 1-1 Juventus – 14/01/25
- 🔄 Udinese 0-0 Atalanta – 11/01/25
📊 Key Stats:
- Atalanta are Serie A’s second-highest scorers with 44 goals in 21 matches.
- They have scored 19 goals in the Champions League, the third-highest tally in the tournament.
- They have kept three clean sheets in their last five games.
Barcelona Team News & Predicted Lineup
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has the luxury of resting key players, having already secured qualification to the last 16. However, he will still want to maintain momentum after their incredible 7-1 demolition of Valencia last weekend.
Expect Flick to rotate some of his squad while still fielding a competitive XI. Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo were rested at the weekend and could return to the starting lineup.
📝 Predicted Barcelona Lineup (4-3-3):
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, Casado, Gavi; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Atalanta Team News & Predicted Lineup
Atalanta have been hit with a major setback as Ademola Lookman, last season’s Europa League final hat-trick hero, is sidelined due to injury. Gianluca Scamacca and Odilon Kossounou are also unavailable, limiting their attacking options.
Midfield enforcer Marten de Roon is a doubt after suffering a head injury against Como, while Isak Hien will return to the lineup after missing the weekend’s game due to suspension.
📝 Predicted Atalanta Lineup (3-4-1-2):
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Bellanova, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Samardzic; Retegui, De Ketelaere
Key Battles to Watch
1️⃣ Robert Lewandowski vs. Atalanta’s Defense
The Polish striker remains a goal threat despite his age, and Atalanta’s backline will need to be at their best to contain him. Lewandowski has already scored five goals in the Champions League this season.
2️⃣ Atalanta’s High Press vs. Barcelona’s Possession Play
Atalanta love to press high and force mistakes, but Barcelona’s technical ability in midfield means they can play through the press and exploit gaps left behind.
Barcelona vs Atalanta: Score Prediction
Barcelona’s 5-4 thriller against Benfica highlighted both their brilliance in attack and their defensive vulnerabilities. Atalanta, known for their free-flowing style, will not hesitate to take the game to the hosts.
However, Barcelona’s superior quality, home advantage, and Atalanta’s injury concerns suggest that Flick’s men should come out on top in what promises to be an entertaining clash.
🔮 Prediction: Barcelona 4-2 Atalanta
Final Thoughts
This game has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair, with two attack-minded teams going head-to-head. While Atalanta have the motivation to push for a top-eight finish, Barcelona’s firepower and home advantage should see them claim all three points.
Expect goals, drama, and plenty of action under the lights in Catalonia!
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FAQs: Barcelona vs Atalanta
1️⃣ What happens if Atalanta lose to Barcelona?
Atalanta could still qualify for the last 16 via the play-offs, but they would need to wait for other results to confirm their final position.
2️⃣ Who are the key players for Barcelona in this match?
Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Pedri will be crucial in attack, while Ronald Araujo will marshal the defense.
3️⃣ How have Atalanta performed in the Champions League?
Atalanta have been one of the tournament’s highest-scoring teams but have struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals in seven matches.
4️⃣ Will Barcelona rotate their squad?
Hansi Flick is expected to make some changes, but Barcelona will still field a strong team to maintain their winning momentum.
5️⃣ Where can I watch Barcelona vs Atalanta?
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the US.
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