Barcelona will finish their UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage campaign against Atalanta, marking the 159th different team they have faced in European competitions. The Blaugrana have already secured a spot in the round of 16 and head into this match with great confidence after a dominant 7-1 victory over Valencia on Sunday, bringing their total number of goals to 101 in 32 competitive games this season. Hansi Flick, who reached a century of goals as Barça’s coach in the second fastest time, played a major role in the team’s recent success. The Catalan giants have been unstoppable in continental competitions, winning six consecutive UCL matches, including a thrilling 5-4 away win against Benfica on matchday seven. Flick’s impressive personal record in UCL home games (W10, L1) with a 91% win percentage and an average of 3.1 goals per game is unmatched by any other manager who has overseen 10 or more home matches.
Atalanta secured their spot in the knockout round play-offs with a four-goal second half onslaught in their 5-0 win over Sturm Graz on matchday seven, followed by a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Como over the weekend. A win in this match would guarantee their place in the last 16, but their record of five defeats in their last six matches (D1) against Spanish clubs suggests that La Dea may not have it easy. However, playing away from home could give them a better chance of improving that record, as Atalanta have won all three of their UCL away matches this season, one of only two clubs to do so. The visitors have an impressive average of 2.4 goals per game in UCL away matches, making them the only team to have played 5 or more games and average 2 or more goals on the road in this competition.
Keep an eye on Lamine Yamal, who provided an assist for Barcelona’s first goal on Sunday, and has contributed to all three of their UCL goals this season (1 goal, 2 assists). For Atalanta, Ademola Lookman could be their key player, having scored six goals (4 goals, 2 assists) in their last five UCL matches. Interesting fact: In seven of Barcelona’s last eight UCL matches, the first goal was scored within the first 20 minutes.
