Barcelona Held to a Draw as Atalanta Salvages Champions League Hopes

Barcelona missed a golden opportunity to secure the top spot in the Champions League league phase after a 2-2 draw against Atalanta at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. With Liverpool suffering a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, a win would have cemented Barça’s position at the summit, but Atalanta’s resilience denied them the victory.

The first half ended goalless despite Barcelona controlling possession and creating multiple chances. However, the deadlock was broken just two minutes into the second half when Lamine Yamal capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Raphinha to put the hosts ahead. Atalanta responded in the 67th minute with a stunning strike from Éderson, leveling the score and intensifying the contest.

Barcelona regained the lead in the 72nd minute, thanks to Ronald Araujo’s well-placed diving header, again assisted by Raphinha. But the Italian side refused to back down, with Mario Pašalić finding the net in the 79th minute after a well-worked attack, ensuring they left Spain with a crucial point.

Atalanta entered the game in seventh place but dropped to ninth following results elsewhere, including wins for Lille and Aston Villa. The draw now forces them into the play-off round, where they will face either Sporting or Club Brugge for a place in the next stage. The play-off draw is set to take place at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, January 31.