Three talking points from Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta

Barcelona happy with second place

Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta finished off the team’s group phase and saw Hansi Flick’s side finish second, behind only Liverpool in the standings, impressive stuff really from such a young side in Europe’s top competition.

There was the chance to finish first but bear in mind Barca did head into the match with qualification already secured and, let’s face it, Atalanta are no pushovers and won the Europa League in thrilling style last season.

Outstanding league phase performance! pic.twitter.com/Mx1CGW785G — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 29, 2025

Hansi Flick declared himself happy with Barca’s group campaign afterwards: “I’m satisfied with the result. We played well against a good team with a great playing philosophy ... I am happy for the team, for the fans and for the club.”

And Lamine Yamal also felt it was a good result despite not managing to take the win.

“We knew that Liverpool were losing, but it was also important not to lose second place,” he added. “We needed the win, but it was a draw and we are happy. We wanted to win, of course, but that’s okay.”

Group winners Liverpool are now the favourites to lift the trophy but will be on the opposite side of the draw, meaning they can’t meet Barcelona until the final.

Araujo in the spotlight

Ronald Araujo was in the starting XI again on Wednesday as Pau Cubarsi was given a much-needed breather and also bagged his first Champions League goal for Barcelona.

The defender stooped to head home at the far post in the second half and his celebration caught the eye as he thumped his chest and seemed to gesture that he’s staying right here.

Araujo has recently signed a new contract at the club but with a massively reduced release clause which has raised questions about his long-term commitment to the club.

Noche de Champions en casa ️

Buena fase clasificatoria del equipo.

Octavos, allá vamos! #lucas18_27 pic.twitter.com/C44fc6ufdY — Ronald Araujo (@RonaldAraujo_4) January 30, 2025

Yet the defender seemed to shut those down afterwards when quizzed on the situation.

“If it depends on me, I’m sure I’ll be here for many years. You don’t know what I did to be here. I don’t know what has come out, but there is Ronald in Barcelona for a while,” he told reporters.

“Not everything that is said is true, I have always given my life for this club, in every sense, since I arrived in 2018. I have played injured, operated… I gave my life and I will always continue to give it. I am very happy here in Barcelona, ​​we did a great job and now I feel valued.”

Araujo is enjoying regular football but it will be interesting to see what happens when Inigo Martinez returns to full fitness after injury.

Familiar faces await in last 16

Barcelona’s progression into the last 16 means they will face one of the following for a place in the quarter-finals: Benfica, Brest, Monaco or PSG.

All four teams will be familiar to Barcelona after recent European meetings. Barca have already played Benfica, Brest and Monaco in this season’s tournament, while they were knocked out by Luis Enrique’s PSG last year.

Barça to face one of the following teams in the @ChampionsLeague last 16: pic.twitter.com/eh5meCckLS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 29, 2025

”Now we’ll see what the route forward is,” said Hansi Flick. “We can’t change these things and we’ll just wait to see what the draw gives us. That’s OK. There are a lot of big, big clubs. The next round will be really tough.”

The last 16 does promise to be a tricky test for Barcelona but certainly one they can approach with positivity and optimism.

Flick’s side beat Brest and Benfica in the group stages and will feel the game against Monaco might not have ended in defeat had Eric Garcia not been sent off early on.

Barca’s defeat to PSG last year also saw a costly red card, to Ronald Araujo, and you can’t help but feel the Catalans may just relish taking on Luis Enrique’s side once again.

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