It will be the second consecutive week of UEFA Champions League action as Spanish La Liga giants FC Barcelona host Italian side Atalanta BC at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Africa Football editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming clash.
Match Overview
This match marks the final round of games in the new-look Champions League table format. While Barcelona have already secured an automatic spot in the Round of 16, Atalanta must ensure victory to guarantee direct qualification.
Barcelona sit second in the table with 18 points from seven matches, having won six and lost once this season. Meanwhile, Atalanta are seventh with 14 points, recording four wins, two draws, and one loss.
In their last Champions League outings, Barcelona edged Portuguese side Benfica 5-4, while Atalanta thrashed Austrian outfit Sturm Graz 5-0 at the Gewiss Stadium.
Barcelona recent form analysis
Barcelona remain unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four and drawing one across all competitions. Hansi Flick’s team has scored an impressive 23 goals while conceding nine. In their most recent La Liga game, they dismantled Valencia 7-0 on Sunday.
Last five games: 4 wins, 1 draw.
Latest result: Barcelona 7-0 Valencia.
Atalanta recent form analysis
Atalanta have been experiencing an inconsistent run, winning just two of their last five matches. During this period, they have drawn twice and lost once, scoring 10 goals and conceding five. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side secured a 2-1 victory over Como over the weekend.
Last five games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
Latest result: Como 1-2 Atalanta.
Head-to-head (last five games)
Barcelona and Atalanta have never met in competitive action in recorded history.
Our prediction for Barcelona vs Atalanta
While Barcelona will aim to finish at the top of the table, overtaking current leaders Liverpool, Atalanta will be fighting to secure a spot in the automatic qualification bracket for the Round of 16 and avoid the playoffs.
We recommend betting on Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.41 on 1xBet. For variety, we also suggest an Over 2.5 goals bet with odds of 1.37 on 1xBet.
Player to watch
Ademola Lookman: The Nigerian forward has been a standout performer for Atalanta, with 14 goals and six assists in 27 matches across all competitions. Lookman will need to deliver a top performance against Barcelona for his team to achieve a positive result in Spain.
Best odds and betting tips
Here are the best tips for this match:
- Both Teams to Score (YES): Odds of 1.41 on 1xBet.
- Over 2.5 goals: Odds of 1.37 on 1xBet.
