Atalanta survive Barcelona onslaught without Lookman but fail to clinch automatic qualification

Atalanta survive Barcelona onslaught without Lookman but fail to clinch automatic qualification

Faruq Ibrahim 23:12 - 29.01.2025

Despite missing their talisman Ademola Lookman through injury, Atalanta avoided defeat against all-conquering Barcelona.

Atalanta came from behind twice to draw Barcelona 2-2 in a stiffly contested Champions League clash.

With Liverpool having lost, a win would have guaranteed Hansi Flick's side pole position on the log, but with the draw, they finished second. Atalanta on the other hand needed victory to clinch a top-eight place; with the result, they ended the league phase in 9th, a seeded playoff spot.

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 Atalanta fashioned the best chances in the opening exchanges, but Sead Kolasinac and Davide Zappacosta's efforts failed to trouble Wojciech Szczesny in the Barcelona goal. Mateo Retegui later tested Pole with a shot from inside the box, but the goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball for a corner.

Just as the game seemed destined for a goalless first half, Zappacosta's strike was disallowed by VAR due to an offside in the build-up. However, Barcelona broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, as Raphinha's low pass found Lamine Yamal, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner with ease.

Yamal attempted to double the lead soon after, but an Atalanta defender blocked his shot from outside the box. Undeterred, the visitors equalised through Ederson's audacious long-range effort, which rebounded off the left post.

Barcelona regained their lead when Ronald Araujo headed home Raphinha's corner. However, Atalanta drew level once more, as Mario Pašalić struck a first-time effort after Marten de Roon's pass. Ultimately, the match ended in a draw, securing second place for Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.

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