Barcelona will line up against Atalanta on 29 January in their final Champions League phase game. Barcelona currently holds the second position in the Champions League ranking, three points behind Liverpool.
The Champions League Race
Barcelona enters this game with a tremendous win in La Liga against Valencia C.F., securing a scoreline of 7-1. In the Champions League, Barcelona is in blistering form. The Catalans have secured their place in the Round of 16 after claiming the second position in the league phase. Barcelona will be looking to extend their streak against Atalanta.
Barcelona secured a dramatic one-goal upwin against Benfica in their last Champions League game. The Catalans conceded four goals against the Portuguese side and scored five to extend their winning streak. This game highlighted Barcelona’s fighting spirit and winning mentality, these qualities were missing from the squad for quite a long time but Flick has reignited the fire to win trophies.
Champions League Journey so far
Barcelona started their UCL campaign giving away the 3 points to AS Monaco, where the Catalans suffered a 2-1 defeat. They secured their first victory of the 24-25 UCL campaign against Young Boys with a score-line of 5-0. Barcelona continued their run winning against Bayern with a 4-1 victory and later against Red Star with a 5-2 win. Later Barcelona won against Brest and Borussia Dortmund. The latest was the 5-4 comeback win against Benfica.
Expected Lineups:
Barcelona’s possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; Gavi, Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski Credits: sportsmole.co.uk
Atalanta BC’s possible starting lineup: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Ruggeri, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic; Retegui, De Ketelaere Credits: sportsmole.co.uk
Despite Barcelona securing their place in the Round of 16, Hansi Flick will be looking to start the game with a strong lineup to continue the winning streak. Proof of this is in Barcelona’s last game, Flick rested Araujo, Lewandowski, and Gavi. This could be a possibility to make them fit for the Champions League Clash. Additionally, Pedri will be back after missing the last game due to health problems. Atlanta will miss their key attacker Lookman in this clash.
What to expect?
In my opinion, Hansi Flick will try to implement new things in this game and will give a chance to youngsters in the second half if Barcelona starts off the game strong. He will be looking to get a straightforward win. My prediction will be 3-1 Barcelona.