After an extraordinary 3-0 victory over Leverkusen in the Europa League final, Atalanta is ready for a new feat in Europe. With one round left in the Champions League group stage, the Nerazzurri have their destiny in their own hands: a victory in Barcelona would guarantee direct access to the round of 16. An achievement that seemed like a dream at the beginning of the tournament, but is now within the reach of Gasperini’s team.
La situazione in classifica
As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, Atalanta is currently seventh in the group with 14 points. A win in Barcelona would take the Nerazzurri to 17, with a very good chance of further improving the position. A draw, however positive, would push them into the playoff zone, but from the top spot. Even in the event of a loss, Atalanta could retain the first-tier advantage in the playoffs, but it is best not to rely on risky calculations. Barcelona, on the other hand, is in a delicate situation: the Blaugrana want to defend second place in the group to avoid Liverpool until the final. A draw may not be enough, as Arsenal could overtake them on goal difference. In case of a win, Atalanta will have direct access to the Champions’ round of 16 without going through the playoffs, in case of a draw they will be qualified to the playoffs as the top seed, while in case of a defeat Dea will enter the playoffs with a good chance of staying in the first tier.
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