FC Barcelona Was Close To Completely Changing The Outcome Of The Champions League Group Stage. A late goal against Atalanta would have significantly altered the tournament's bracket, directly impacting Real Madrid. However, Hansi Flick's team could only manage a 2-2 draw against the Italians, leaving the competition landscape unchanged.

Curiously, a Barcelona victory would have benefited Carlo Ancelotti’s team, allowing Madrid to finish in tenth placein the overall standings, surpassing Atalanta. Although it would have been just a one-position improvement from their final placement (11th), this detail would have significantly altered Madrid's path in the knockout rounds.

With the current result, Real Madrid must now face Celtic or Manchester City in the playoff round, while their round of 16 opponent will be either Atlético de Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. In contrast, if Barça had won, Madrid would have had a more favorable draw, facing Sporting CP or Club Brugge in the playoffs and Lille or Aston Villa in the round of 16.

Additionally, the final standings ensure that a Clásico in the Champions League can only happen in the semifinals or the final. The standings were incredibly tight, with Madrid finishing tied on 15 points with Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Milan. However, goal difference proved decisive, pushing Madrid behind Gasperini and Tullberg’s teams.

Real Madrid’s performance in this Champions League phase has been marked by some poor results. The 1-0 loss to Lille was especially damaging, as a draw in that match would have secured a Top 8 spot. Additionally, Ancelotti’s team suffered heavy defeats against Milan at the Bernabéu (1-3) and Liverpool at Anfield (2-0), compromising their chances of securing a better position.

Now, Madrid faces a tough road ahead if they want to advance further in the tournament. A lack of consistency in key matches has determined their fate, and the knockout rounds will test their ability to turn the situation around.