Barcelona’s tie against Atalanta in the Champions League this week is basically a dead-rubber game for Hansi Flick’s side.
The Blaugrana has secured their place in the top eight, meaning they get to skip the first stage of the knockout rounds.
However, Atalanta are 7th with 14 points and if results go against them, they could drop out of the automatic qualification spots, something they will want to avoid.
Even though Flick will want to win this game, especially considering it is at home, it will be great chance to rest some of the players who have been putting in the hard minutes this season.
Referees Selected:
To referee this game, UEFA have selected an English team that will consist of Michael Oliver as the on-field referee and Jarred Gillett in charge of VAR.
Despite this looking like a standard refereeing appointment, Oliver is currently under massive pressure in England.
The experienced referee made a very controversial decision by giving Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red after he stopped a counter-attack.
This decision is one of many that Premier League fans think Oliver has got wrong this season, especially against the Gunners.
Due to this pressure from the fans, the PGMOL, the Premier League’s refereeing body, have had to release a statement condemning abuse that the referee has received, even advising that the British Police are aware and are currently investigating the threats.
Hopefully, Oliver can stay out of any controversy in the Barcelona v Atalanta game this Wednesday.
