The first half was all about Barcelona’s struggles against Atalanta’s high press and man-marking defense. The Blaugrana failed to build attacks, whether playing short or going long, with only long-range efforts from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha posing any threat. Meanwhile, Atalanta created real danger, including a near-own goal prevented by Alejandro Balde, solid headers from set pieces, and a disallowed goal by Davide Zappacosta due to offside.
Atalanta, needing a win for a Top 8 finish, dominated the first 45 minutes, forcing Barça to produce something special after the break. They did just that within 90 seconds of the restart—Robert Lewandowski released Raphinha down the left, and the Brazilian set up Yamal, who battled Sead Kolašinac to tap in the opener.
The match exploded into life as Atalanta almost equalized immediately through Mario Pašalić, forcing a big save from Wojciech Szczęsny. Barça then missed chances to extend their lead, with Raphinha’s free-kick denied and Lewandowski squandering a golden opportunity. Their wastefulness proved costly when Zappacosta found Éderson, who rifled a stunning shot into the net to make it 1-1 with 25 minutes left.
Barça responded swiftly, regaining the lead when Ronald Araújo headed home Raphinha’s corner. But Atalanta refused to give up, and with 10 minutes to go, Pašalić slotted Marten De Roon’s cross through Szczęsny’s legs to level the score again.
Atalanta’s late push for a winner was derailed when Giorgio Scalvini suffered a shoulder injury in the 90th minute, forcing them to finish with 10 men. Barça controlled possession in the closing moments and nearly snatched victory, but Ferran Torres was denied by Marco Carnesecchi’s brilliant save.
The entertaining draw secured Barça second place in the standings, ensuring a more favorable knockout stage path and additional prize money. While a win could have meant first place, the strong second-half display was a positive sign as they now shift focus to La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
