Barcelona will look to keep their unbeaten run in 2025 alive when they host Atalanta BC for a Champions League showdown on Wednesday.
The Blaugrana, already guaranteed a spot in the top eight, still have a chance to finish the group stage in first place. Meanwhile, Atalanta, currently in seventh, will be aiming to secure an automatic spot in the last 16 with a strong performance on matchday eight.
Barcelona are just three points behind leaders Liverpool after recovering from an early defeat against Monaco to go on a six-match winning streak in the group stage.
Hansi Flick’s side has been on fire, defeating the likes of Young Boys, Bayern Munich, Red Star Belgrade, Brest, and Borussia Dortmund. But their most memorable moment came last week in Portugal, when they staged a dramatic comeback against Benfica. Down 3-1 and 4-2, Barcelona fought back, with Robert Lewandowski scoring his second penalty to set the stage for a thrilling late turnaround. Eric Garcia scored the equalizer in the 86th minute, and Raphinha netted the 96th-minute winner at the Estádio da Luz, securing all three points.
Barcelona carried that momentum into their La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday. In a stunning first-half display, they scored five goals, including a brace from Fermin Lopez. They added two more in the second half to clinch a remarkable 7-1 victory, closing the gap to just seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.
With six wins and one draw in their first seven matches of 2025, Barcelona head into this game full of confidence. Their form at home in the Champions League has been impressive too, with three wins and a combined scoreline of 12-1 in their previous European home fixtures. A victory on Wednesday would see them finish top of the group if Liverpool fail to secure a result against PSV Eindhoven.
In contrast, Atalanta still have work to do to join Barcelona in the knockout stage. Sitting just one point above ninth place, the Italian side has won four, drawn two, and lost one of their seven group matches.
Atalanta started the group stage strong, remaining unbeaten through their first five games. They played out goalless draws with Celtic and Arsenal before securing a 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. They followed that with two straight victories over Stuttgart and Young Boys.
After a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on matchday six, Atalanta bounced back with a dominant 5-0 win over Sturm Graz last week. Mateo Retegui, Mario Pasalic, Charles De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman, and Marco Brescianini all found the net in that impressive performance.
As a result, Atalanta are now the third-highest scorers in the group stage with 18 goals. They also boast the fourth-best defensive record, having conceded just four times.
Atalanta will take some confidence from their 2-1 win over Como in Serie A on Saturday, managed by former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. However, their recent record against Spanish sides in the Champions League has been less than stellar, with just one draw and four losses in their last five meetings.
That said, Atalanta have been solid on their travels in this year’s Champions League. They’ve won all three of their away matches in the group stage, scoring 11 goals and conceding only once.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, it’s clear that Barcelona’s home advantage and current form make them the favorites. However, Atalanta will be determined to secure a spot in the knockout stages and will no doubt give their hosts a tough challenge.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Barcelona defender Íñigo Martínez is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while long-term absentees Marc-André ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are continuing their rehabilitation from knee injuries.
Attacker Dani Olmo is unlikely to be available for Wednesday's match, having missed the last two competitive games due to a calf issue.
On a positive note, Pedri has fully recovered from his illness and could be back in the Barcelona midfield for the final game of the group stage.
Coach Hansi Flick may choose to stick with Wojciech Szczęsny in goal for a third consecutive game, while Gavi and Robert Lewandowski could return to the starting lineup after being rested last weekend.
As for Atalanta, they’ll be without defender Odilon Kossounou and forward Gianluca Scamacca due to injuries – Kossounou is dealing with an adductor issue, while Scamacca is sidelined with a knee problem.
Midfielder Marten de Roon will be assessed after having to leave the pitch at halftime during the weekend’s game against Como following a head clash with Maximo Perrone.
On the bright side, Isak Hien will be available again after serving a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation and is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Mateo Retegui, who has been in excellent form, will be looking to extend his run of goals after scoring five times in Atalanta’s last four competitive matches.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Gavi, Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Ruggeri, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic; Retegui, Lookman
EXPERT PREDICTION
Barcelona 3-2 Atalanta
Atalanta definitely has the offensive quality to challenge Barcelona in Wednesday’s Champions League match, but considering Barcelona’s impressive form of scoring at least three goals in their last six European games, we believe they’ll outscore the visitors and secure all three points.
