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Daniel Panero
Martes, 28 de enero 2025, 17:41
Barcelona faces a tricky match against Atalanta this Wednesday. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the team has already achieved the primary goal of avoiding the Champions League playoff against Benfica, but now they must go a step further. In the new format, there are no filler matches, as evidenced by the fact that the Catalans can still earn 2.1 million euros if they win against Atalanta, plus an additional amount depending on their final position in the standings. Furthermore, the round of 16 draws are also determined by the league phase standings and can help avoid some of the top teams that failed to make it into the top eight.
All these objectives can serve as motivation for a Barcelona side that arrives at the match relieved after a crucial victory against Benfica in Lisbon. On that day, after a chaotic match, the Catalans stepped up and now only need to finish the job with another victory, which could help them secure the top spot currently held by Liverpool or clinch second place, which could be key to avoiding the 'reds' until a potential final, as they would be placed on the opposite side of the draw. Finishing in the top two would mean avoiding the best teams entering the playoff, according to the standings, a position Barcelona could find themselves in if Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, or Juventus win on the final day.
With this in mind, Flick has prepared the match with the intention of carrying over the positive momentum the team showed in the league against Valencia. The Catalans scored seven goals and regained some of the hallmarks that made them shine at the start of the season. "For me, the league is the most important thing we can win. In the end, we will take stock. There are the Cup, the Super Cup, and the Champions League, which is the hardest to win because there are very good teams, so for us, it is important to win because we want to finish second," acknowledged the German coach.
To achieve this, Flick will bring back some of the first-team players. Against Valencia, Araujo, Pedri, Lewandowski, and Gavi were rested initially, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Balde were substituted early. All will be part of the lineup in a match where the goalkeeping position remains uncertain following Szczesny's doubts, and all eyes will be on a forward trio that is astonishing the world. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski remain in form and will be the main threat to an Atalanta eager for action.
On the pitch of Lluis Companys, two of the three teams that have scored the most goals in this Champions League will face off. Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta is an attacking team that always pushes forward and will not betray its principles despite facing Barcelona or playing a crucial match for their aspirations. The Italians are in a do-or-die situation after reaching the final day with 14 points, in seventh place, and with up to eleven teams breathing down their necks with two points less. These are the challenges of the new Champions League format, a ticking time bomb with Atalanta, among others, at the epicenter that could explode.
To avoid the playoff, Atalanta depends on themselves, and Gasperini will seek victory with all the weapons at his disposal. The Italian coach will not be able to count on Lookman, his star player, nor Kossounou and Scamacca due to injury, but De Roon is expected to return after a concussion suffered last weekend. The Dutchman could be the compass in midfield and guide a team that will have Retegui as their main threat in attack.
Probable Lineups:
Barcelona: Szczesny, Koundé, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde, Casadó, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha, and Lewandowski.
Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Kolasinac, Hien, Toloi, Zappacosta, Pasalic, De Roon, Palestra, De Ketelaere, Samardzic, and Retegui.
Referee: Michael Oliver (England).
Stadium and time: Lluis Companys. 21:00 h. (Movistar Liga de Campeones).
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