Barcelona played without any burden in this match, because even if they get any result, their position is really safe to be in the last 16. Atalanta who had to accept the fact that they had to be in the play-off round after failing to get a win in this match. Yes, the draw they got only made them in 9th position, only one rank below the safe position to be in the last 16.
They worked hard, but their hard work was not enough to make them safe because the opponents they faced were also not that easy to beat.
Barcelona tried their best in this match, though Atalanta did well too, and they tried their best to see that they win the match, but unfortunately it ended in a draw. I think this could be a very good result for them if they win the match, although the result did not affect Barcelona since their position in the table is still okay. But Atalanta were trying their best to see that they win so they will qualify. But you are right; they can still do better in the coming round. Since they are not a weak team.
Both teams were in good form, so this was the kind of result I was expecting. In fact, I didn’t even expect that Barcelona would take this match so seriously, but they really did. This is especially surprising given that Barcelona had nothing to lose, even if they lost the match.
Honestly, I liked the way both teams performed the match was very interesting. Barcelona really played well at this stage, and I hope they can continue with this great form. This season’s Champions League feels a bit unusual. The teams people expected to perform well are not doing great, while the underdog teams are exceeding expectations.i can’t imagine seeing Real Madrid struggling in the Champions Leagueit’s not easy for them.
Teams at the level of Barcelona are not only playing to win trophies but also to set records that will stand the test of time. This is the reason they are conscious of winning the match even though they have qualified for the round of 16. They played their best team, without reserving any player and were already winning the match if not that Atalanta always have their way of equalizing any time Barcelona scored. You know that mentality is a major factor in football so assuming Barcelona did not take that match seriously and lost to Atalanta in their home, that would have affecting their psychology in the weekend match and matches to come. It was good that they did not lose the match so they will remain mentally balanced for the tasks ahead.