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The final match-day of the UEFA Champions League league stage saw drama unfold across Europe with all 36 teams taking to the field at the same time.
For Barcelona, it was a tricky night as they hosted Atalanta at home. They had a top-8 place booked ahead of kickoff but the objective was to overtake Liverpool in the standings.
The visitors were the better side for the opening 45 minutes as Barcelona lacked any sense of urgency in attack. They even took the lead via Davide Zappacosta but had it ruled out for offside.
Hansi Flick’s side took the lead shortly after the restart through Lamine Yamal and made it 1-0 on the night, putting pressure on the Italian side.
Gasperini’s men immediately responded by upping the ante but the spaces they left behind gave the hosts several chances.
Eventually, the visitors pulled one back via Ederson with a stunning strike from outside the box but Ronald Araujo restored Barcelona’s lead in the 72nd minute.
Mario Pasalic restored parity on the night eight minutes later, sending the standings into a frenzy once more and culminating the scoring on the night.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta.
Wojciech Szczesny: 7
The Polish goalkeeper started Barcelona’s UCL game last night and produced some stunning saves in the first half, one from inside the box.
However, his distribution continued to be extremely shaky and a matter of concern.
Alejandro Balde: 6.5
The youngster was mediocre in the first half, doing just about enough in defence and regularly dispossessed in the final third when he progressed the ball forward.
Yet, was one of Barcelona’s players with more involvement on the ball.
Eric Garcia: 6.5
With Pau Cubarsi rested, Garcia was the defender entrusted with building up play from the back given his ball-playing skills.
While he did not make any glaring errors, the teenager’s absence was felt on the night regardless.
Ronald Araujo: 8
Araujo scored his first goal of the season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The Barcelona captain’s pace was crucial in defending against Atalanta’s counterattacks and he came out on top more often than not with his physical presence.
Did well to keep Atalanta’s opening goal ruled out for offside but was the party at fault in playing them onside for their second equaliser.
Scored a thunderous header to restore Barcelona’s lead against Atalanta from a tight angle.
Jules Kounde: 7
Kounde’s first-half performance was far from his best as he relatively struggled in defence and seemed out-of-sorts in his chemistry with Lamine Yamal down the right.
Looked far better after the break and had more attacking contributions.
Pedri: 7.5
The Canary Islander was decent with his distribution but regularly kept under check by the Atalanta captain Marten de Roon.
Looked more effective after the break with the deadlock broken and spaces opened up in the middle of the park.
Frenkie de Jong: 7.5
The Dutchman continued his string of positive performances against Atalanta last night, forming part of the double pivot alongside Pedri and holding up the play well.
De Jong was comfortable in possession, made interesting forays into the final third occasionally and was alert to the opposition’s transitions and did not do much wrong.
Gavi: 8
The La Masia star was strangulated between Atalanta’s two high-pressing lines and barely got any space to work with as the attacking midfielder.
Did well to hold on to possession when he could and dictated the transition play for Barcelona, although he did not get many chances.
Lamine Yamal: 9
Yamal broke the deadlock with a calm finish. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The teenager was one of Barcelona’s brighter spots on the night with the most attacking transitions and the few chances created all coming off his boots.
Had the team’s only big chance in the first half, but was still underwhelming by his astronomical standards.
Opened the scoring for the club early in the second half with a calm finish, taking the ball around the goalkeeper and tucking it home.
Raphinha: 8.5
The Brazilian winger was one of the worst-hit players by Barcelona’s lack of a sense of urgency last night and did not get any spaces to attack in the Atalanta half.
Had a chance late in the opening period but could not convert it.
Began the second half with a perfect cross to Yamal for the team’s opener and was more involved in counter-attacks.
Robert Lewandowski: 6.5
The striker created barely any threat on goal and was not involved in the buildup as much as he would have liked to given Atalanta’s high press and rapid transitions.
Made a mess of a golden chance at the hour mark as he had just the goalkeeper to beat but tangled the ball between his feet.
