Barcelona will conclude their UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage campaign against Atalanta, marking the 159th different team the club has faced in European competition. The Catalan side has already secured a spot in the knockout stage and enters this match on a positive note following a resounding 7-1 victory over Valencia on Sunday, which brought their total number of goals to 101 in 32 competitive matches this season. Notably, Hansi Flick became the second fastest coach to reach a century of goals with Barcelona.
In continental competition, Barcelona has been in exceptional form, winning six consecutive UCL matches, including a thrilling 5-4 away victory against Benfica on matchday seven. This impressive streak sets the stage for Flick to further enhance his remarkable personal record in UCL home games, boasting a win percentage of 91% and an average of 3.1 goals per game, which is the best among any manager who has overseen 10 or more home matches in the competition.
Atalanta secured a spot in the knockout round play-offs by unleashing a four-goal onslaught in the second half, ultimately winning 5-0 against Sturm Graz on matchday seven. They followed up that victory with a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Como over the weekend. Another triumph would propel them directly into the last 16. However, their track record of five defeats in the last six matches (D1) against Spanish clubs suggests that La Dea may face challenges.
As travellers in this upcoming contest, Atalanta seems to have the best opportunity to rectify their record. In fact, they have emerged victorious in all three of their away matches in the UEFA Champions League this season, making them one of only two clubs to achieve this feat. Impressively, the visitors boast an average of 2.4 goals per UCL away game, making them the sole team to have played 5+ games and maintained an average of 2+ goals on the road in this competition.
Players to keep an eye on: Lamine Yamal played a crucial role in setting up Barcelona’s initial goal on Sunday, and his involvement in the UEFA Champions League this season has consistently been the final contribution from his team in each match. Ademola Lookman has the potential to be Atalanta’s hero, as he has scored six goals (four goals, two assists) in his last five UEFA Champions League games.
Interesting fact: In seven out of Barcelona’s last eight UEFA Champions League matches, the opening goal was scored within the first 20 minutes.
