Alex Kirkland has raised concerns regarding Barcelona’s roster management during their recent 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the Europa League. He argued that the club could have made strategic choices, such as resting star players, given their already secured position in the knockout stages.
Barcelona, who had previously secured their spot in the next round with a thrilling 5-4 comeback against Benfica, continued their campaign with a draw at home against Atalanta. Despite the match ending in a stalemate, Barcelona managed to finish second in their group, which coach Hansi Flick described as a “big success” for the team.
In a match where Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo found the net for the hosts, Atalanta, missing key striker Ademola Lookman due to injury, battled back from behind twice. Yamal scored just after halftime, but Atalanta equalized through Ederson, who unleashed a remarkable shot from the edge of the box. Araujo’s header briefly restored Barcelona’s advantage, only for Mario Pasalic to equalize once more for Atalanta late in the match.
Flick acknowledged the need for improvement in the team’s defensive coordination, indicating that they have ample time to refine their strategies during the upcoming training weeks, as there are no knockout games scheduled until February.
Atalanta, now placed ninth in their standings, will gear up for the two-legged knockout phase playoffs. They face a challenging path ahead, needing to compete against formidable teams in the Europa League’s new league phase, with the draw for their playoff opponents scheduled for Friday.
This match serves as a reminder of the thin margins in football and the importance of tactical management, especially when teams are striving for both performance and player health in a grueling season. Barcelona’s potential to refine their approach could lead to stronger performances as they advance, instilling a sense of hope for their supporters.