Barcelona will look to extend their impressive unbeaten streak in 2025 as they face Atalanta BC in a crucial Champions League clash on Wednesday. With the Blaugrana already securing a spot in the top eight, they still have a chance to finish in first place in the group, pending results elsewhere. Meanwhile, Atalanta will be fighting for a place in the last 16 as they sit just above ninth place and need a win to guarantee their progression.
Barcelona’s Impressive Form
Barcelona has been in exceptional form in 2025, securing six wins and one draw in their seven competitive fixtures. After a 4-2 comeback victory over Benfica in the Champions League and a stunning 7-1 win over Valencia in La Liga, the Catalan giants are brimming with confidence. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha have been key figures in Barcelona’s recent success, with Lewandowski scoring crucial goals and Raphinha netting a dramatic last-minute winner in Portugal.
With three home victories already in the Champions League this season, Barcelona will be eager to continue their dominance at Camp Nou. A victory against Atalanta, coupled with a Liverpool slip-up, would see the Blaugrana finish at the top of their group.
Atalanta’s Challenge
Atalanta will be determined to secure an automatic spot in the knockout stages. The Italian side has shown their attacking prowess, netting 18 goals in the group phase so far, but they will need to improve their record against Spanish teams, having failed to win any of their last five encounters (D1, L4). Atalanta’s impressive away form in the group stage, with three straight wins and just one goal conceded, will be crucial in their bid to overcome Barcelona’s attacking threats.
Players like Mateo Retegui, who has scored five goals in his last four matches, will be key to Atalanta’s chances of getting something from this game. Despite some injury concerns, including missing Odilon Kossounou and Gianluca Scamacca, Atalanta still has a strong squad to challenge Barcelona.
Key Team News
Barcelona will be without Inigo Martinez due to a hamstring injury, while long-term absentees Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal continue their recovery. Pedri could make a return to the midfield after overcoming illness. For Atalanta, defender Odilon Kossounou and forward Gianluca Scamacca will miss out, and midfielder Marten de Roon will be assessed following a recent injury.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Gavi, Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Atalanta BC: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Ruggeri, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic; Retegui, Lookman
Prediction:
Barcelona 3-2 Atalanta BC
Atalanta's attacking strength will cause problems, but Barcelona’s free-scoring form in Europe should be enough to secure all three points and move one step closer to topping the group.
