Barcelona v Atalanta

Barcelona will host Atalanta in what should be a fascinating affair. The Spanish outfit have already qualified for the round of 16, while their visitors are still battling for that all-important top 8 spot.

Our full Champions League Permutations guide is essential viewing ahead of kick-off.

⭐ Barcelona v Atalanta Best Bet

Raphinha has been Barcelona’s standout performer this season, leading the team with an incredible 32-goal contributions in just 31 appearances.

The underlying stats suggest this is by no means unsustainable, as the Brazilian winger boasts an impressive average of 1.15 xG+xA per 90 minutes across all competitions. This is equally a testament to the quality and depth of Barcelona’s midfield, which provides him with consistent opportunities.

Raphinha enters this match in exceptional form, with 7 goal contributions in his last 5 games and 10 across his 7 Champions League appearances. With bookmakers pricing ‘over 2.5 goals’ as short as 1.3, this clash promises to be action-packed, with Raphinha likely to play a key role in what could be a goal-filled affair.

🟢 Barcelona v Atalanta #WhatOddsPaddy Tip

At massive odds, it’s hard to resist this shout which could easily come in if the Spanish giants have a bad day.

Barcelona have already qualified for the round of 16 which could affect them mentally, and in terms of squad selection, meanwhile, Atalanta need the win here for an automatic place.

The visitors have already won 13 games by a margin of 2 or more goals, including 4 of their UCL clashes. Although unable to get the win, they were far the better side against Real Madrid, winning the xG battle 3.33-2.10.

Lookman has been 1 of their star players and if Atalanta are to perform to the best of their ability, he is likely to get on the scoresheet. He’s already found the back of the net in 4 separate UCL matches despite only starting 5.

In the corners market, Barcelona have underwhelmed in the competition, averaging just 4.86 per game, marginally more than the 3.29 they’ve conceded.

Atalanta, on the other hand, have averaged 5.21 per 90, conceding a mere 2.79. Even in Serie A, they’ve only conceded an average of 2.64.

👕 Barcelona v Atalanta Predicted XI

🔍 Barcelona v Atalanta Players to Watch

🔴 Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal has managed an impressive average of 1.48 shots on target per 90 minutes across all competitions this season.

The youngster has tested the goalkeeper at least once in 13 of his last 14 matches, hitting the target twice in 8 of those games, including tough clashes with Real Madrid (twice) and Dortmund. 

This selection has also landed in 4 of his 6 Champions League appearances, including each of the last 3.

Atalanta’s attacking approach has seen them concede an average of 4 shots on target per game in Serie A, something Yamal could well capitalise on.

⚫ Ademola Lookman

Over the past 2 seasons, Lookman has been in exceptional form in front of goal, a transformation largely aided by his shift from a winger to a central forward role.

This season, he has averaged 1.43 shots on target per 90 minutes across all competitions, a figure surpassed only by Mateo Retegui. Lookman has tested the goalkeeper at least once in 12 of his 17 league starts, with the exceptions primarily due to early substitutions in 4 of the 5 matches or being deployed out of position as an attacking midfielder in 3.

In the Champions League, Lookman has featured in 6 games, registering 9 shots on target, failing to hit the mark only against Arsenal in Atalanta’s opener.

His last 2 outings in the competition saw him record 3 shots on target against Real Madrid, followed by another 3 against Sturm Graz despite only entering at half time.

⚫ Mateo Retegui

Retegui has been in sensational form this season, boasting a league-leading average of 1.80 shots on target per 90 minutes (among players who have started at least 1 game).

The forward has featured in 15 league matches lasting 50 minutes or more, testing the goalkeeper at least once in 13 of them. 

His consistency extends to the Champions League, where he has started 5 games and hit the target in all of them.

He even managed to register a shot on target off the bench against Real Madrid, despite being on the pitch for just 17 minutes.

📂 Barcelona v Atalanta Cheat Sheet

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💻 Barcelona v Atalanta Form and Tactics

Following their tournament-opening loss to Monaco, Barcelona have won 6 CL matches in a row.

They’ve bagged 26 goals along the way which is the most of any side by some distance, although the 11 they’ve conceded is the most of any team in the top 10.

This should make for fantastic viewing with Atalanta having scored 18 times, the 3rd-most in the competition.

Their attacking philosophy combined with Barcelona’s threat should make for a cracking, fast-paced and end-to-end affair.

🏁 Barcelona v Atalanta Ref Watch

• Referee - Michael Oliver
• Average Cards (Y/R) - 5.40/ 0.20
• Fouls Given - 22.40
• Penalties - 0.20

📺 How to Watch Barcelona v Atalanta in the Champions League

📅 When is Barcelona v Atalanta? / Wednesday, 29 January 2025, 20:00
🏟 Where is Barcelona v Atalanta? / Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys (Barcelona)
📺 What TV Channel is Barcelona v Atalanta on? / TNT Sports 10
🟨 …And who is the referee for Barcelona v Atalanta? / Irfan Peljto 🇧🇦

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.