Barca and Atalanta played out the action-packed match that ended in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday, as Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo got on the scoresheet for the hosts, who had already qualified. Missing their main striker, Ademola Lookman, due to injury, ninth-placed Atalanta would now have to face a two-legged knockout phase playoff. Barca, who qualified for the last 16 with an unlikely comeback win over Benfica, finished runner-up in the group. For all the brilliance from Ederson and Mario Pasalic, Barca were twice able to take a lead before being pulled back and for that, Hansi Flick praised, while at the same time, mentioning the need to improve on defense.
First Half: A Tactical Battle Ends Goalless
The first half of the match between Barca and Atlanta was ended without any score. During play, both sides and the players had a couple of chances to score the first goal. Atalanta thought they had taken the lead in the 35th minute when Davide Zappacosta scored, but VAR ruled his goal offside. A little later, Barca’s Lamine Yamal and Raphinha forced saves out of Atalanta’s keeper, whilst Wojciech Szczesny had to ensure Mateo Retegui’s early effort was kept out. There was more in terms of stoppages, including several fouls and an injury scare involving Gavi. The teams went scoreless into half-time with two minutes of stoppage time.
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Second Half: A Four-Goal Thriller Ends In A Stalemate
Non-stop action was put on display in the second half, as the match saw plenty of excitement with Barca and Atalanta sharing the spoils in an intense draw of 2-2. It was Lamine Yamal to draw first blood shortly after the second half opened, smashing in from close range after a cross from Raphinha. Atalanta equalized in the 67th minute, pulling level with an excellent long-range shot from Éderson. Barca took the lead again with Ronald Araujo, whose header from a corner was scored in the 72nd minute, but once again, Atalanta pulled back level as Mario Pasalic nutmegged Wojciech Szczesny to make it 2-2 in the 79th minute. With both teams keen for an initiative, the match turned tense and sherry with injuries and yellow cards in the closing moments. Barca had several attempts, not least from a free-kick taken by Raphinha in the dying minutes. Nevertheless, the game finished at a stalemate.
