Barcelona will look to extend their flawless run in the UEFA Champions League to seven wins in a row when they host Atalanta on Wednesday. Hansi Flick’s men are in a strong position to secure a top-two finish in their group, currently sitting second with 18 points, three behind group leaders Liverpool. Barcelona have been in excellent form in Europe, winning every match since the opening day, except for their draw on Matchday 1. However, their inconsistent form in La Liga continues to haunt them.
Atalanta, on the other hand, is in a more precarious position. They are currently seventh with 14 points, and while they have already qualified for the knockout stage, securing a direct entry into the round of 16 would be crucial. A win would ensure that Atalanta finish in one of the top two spots, avoiding the knockout playoffs.
With both teams having a lot at stake in this final group-stage match, it promises to be an exciting clash.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Barcelona will be without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, and Marc Bernal. Dani Olmo is also unlikely to return in time for this fixture. However, the return of Pedri after his illness is a major boost for the Blaugrana.
Hansi Flick is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Wojciech Szczesny in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will start as full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi and Eric García will form the central defensive partnership.
In midfield, Marc Casado and Pedri will play as the double pivot, tasked with controlling the tempo of the game. Gavi will return to the no. 10 role, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will provide width on the flanks. Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the attack, returning to the starting XI after a brief spell on the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Atalanta
Atalanta will be without Odilon Kossounou and Gianluca Scamacca for this match. The availability of Marten de Roon will be assessed after he suffered a head clash in their recent match. Isak Hien will return to the lineup after serving his suspension.
Atalanta is expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Marco Carnesecchi will start in goal, with Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, and Hien forming the back three. Matteo Ruggeri and Davide Zappacosta will play as wing-backs, providing width and defensive cover.
In midfield, Ederson will partner Mario Pasalic in a more defensive role, tasked with limiting Barcelona’s attacking threats. Lazar Samardzic will play as the attacking midfielder, while Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman will form the strike partnership.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Ruggeri, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic; Retegui, Lookman
Key Stats
- This will be the first meeting between Atalanta and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
- Barcelona are unbeaten in 2025 with six wins and a draw in their seven competitive matches.
- Atalanta have failed to win any of their last five Champions League games against Spanish teams (D1 L4).
- Barcelona has won their last three European home games with a combined scoreline of 12-1.
- Atalanta has secured all three points in their last three away games in the Champions League with a combined scoreline of 11-1.
Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski will be crucial for Barcelona in this match. With 29 goals in 30 outings this season, the 36-year-old striker is in fantastic form and will be looking to add to his tally. His ability to score from various situations and provide leadership in attack will be vital for Barcelona to secure the victory.
Barcelona vs Atalanta Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Atalanta
Barcelona’s strong home form and their overall superior quality should see them dominate this fixture. Expect Lewandowski, Gavi, and Pedri to shine, with Barcelona securing a comfortable win to keep their hopes of finishing top of the group alive. Atalanta will put up a resilient fight but will struggle to contain Barcelona’s attacking prowess.
Barcelona vs Atalanta Live Stream
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