UCL: Real Madrid reach playoffs as Barca, Atleti advance

Barcelona were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at home in a pulsating encounter with Italian side Atalanta on Wednesday night in Matchday 8 of the 2024-25 Champions League.

Goalless at the break, the match burst into life two minutes after the restart when Lamine Yamal gave the hosts the lead with a close-range finish.

Atalanta equalised in the 67th minute with a stunning strike by Brazilian midfielder Ederson.

Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo restored Barca’s lead with a powerful diving header in the 72nd minute, before Mario Pasalic drew things level with a low strike just seven minutes later.

Dropping points at home means the Blaugrana — who had already qualified for the knockout phase — missed out on a golden chance to top the Champions League table following Liverpool’s defeat to PSV.

Barcelona could either face Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Monaco or Stade Brestois in the last 16.

Hansi Flick’s side will take on Deportivo Alaves in La Liga this weekend, with top sports betting sites favouring Barca at -476.19 to win.

Atletico finish fifth after cruising past Salzburg

Atletico Madrid beat Austrian side RB Salzburg 4-1 in Matchday 8 of the Champions League at the Red Bull Arena.

Giuliano Simeone broke the deadlock in the fifth minute, and Antoine Griezmann added a brace as Atleti finished the first half in blistering fashion.

Marcos Llorente netted the Spanish side’s fourth of the night just past the hour mark, while Adam Daghim scored Salzburg’s consolation goal deep into stoppage time.

A fifth consecutive Champions League win ensured Diego Simeone’s men secured direct qualification to the last 16.

Speaking to the press, the Atleti manager remained wary of a tough opponent in the last 16.

“We have entered in a nice place, fifth place, we were excited to be able to get to this position,” Simeone said.

“It was very difficult, I am sure that now we will face a strong team and we have to wait.”

With the new playoff system, Atletico will face either Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City or Celtic in the knockout round.

Meanwhile, the capital outfit will be in La Liga action this Saturday against Mallorca, and online bookmakers are paying -232.56 for Atletico to triumph at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Blancos settle for playoff after missing out on top-eight finish

Champions League holders Real Madrid will have to take the longer route to the knockout stage, despite securing a commanding 3-0 win over Stade Brestois on Wednesday night in France.

Brazilian forward Rodrygo netted a goal in each half, and England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored 11 minutes after the restart as Madrid cruised to an 11th-placed finish with 15 points.

Failing to finish in the top eight means the Blancos will play a two-legged knockout playoff against either Manchester City or Celtic.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be in domestic action on Saturday, with top soccer bookmakers installing Madrid as -294.12 favourites to beat Espanyol in Catalonia.

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