MADRID -- FC Barcelona played to a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in an exciting match at Montjuic during the final round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, ultimately finishing second in their 36-team group.
Liverpool, despite a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, secured the top spot in the group, allowing them to advance directly to the last 16.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a quick counter-attack initiated by Robert Lewandowski, with Raphinha providing the assist for the young forward to find the net.
Atalanta equalized in the 67th minute through Ederson, who skillfully maneuvered past Gavi before unleashing a powerful shot that left Wojciech Szczesny with no chance.
Barcelona regained the lead in the 72nd minute when Ronald Araujo scored with a strong header from a corner taken by Raphinha, but the advantage was short-lived as Mario Pasalic equalized shortly after, converting from close range.
Atletico Madrid secured their qualification in style, taking a 2-0 lead against RB Salzburg before finishing with a 4-1 victory to claim fifth place.
Giuliano Simeone eased any tension early on, scoring in the fifth minute after controlling a pass from Julian Alvarez with a well-placed diagonal shot.
Simeone then assisted Antoine Griezmann, who scored with a straightforward finish after breaking the offside trap and delivering a low cross from the right.
Griezmann added his second just before halftime, ensuring Atletico's direct progression to the last 16, while Marcos Llorente extended the lead to 4-0 in the second half, before Adam Daghim scored a consolation goal following a long clearance from his goalkeeper.
Real Madrid will advance to the play-offs after concluding the group stage in 11th place, despite securing a 3-0 victory against Brest.
Rodrygo opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a precise left-footed shot in the 27th minute.
Brest had a goal disallowed due to a marginal offside call against Ludovic Ajorque, before Jude Bellingham extended Real Madrid's advantage following a counterattack, with Lucas Vazquez providing the assist for the England international.
Rodrygo netted his second goal and Real Madrid's third in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Kylian Mbappe's shot was deflected into his path.
As a result, Carlo Ancelotti's team will face either Manchester City or Celtic in the play-offs, which include teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the group.
Girona exited the competition following a 2-1 loss at home to Arsenal, who secured third place in the group.
Girona initially took the lead in the 28th minute when Arnaut Danjuma capitalized on a significant defensive blunder and goalkeeper Neto's decision to venture far from his area, scoring from just inside the halfway line.
Arsenal, needing a victory for a top-eight finish, equalized with a penalty from Jorginho, and a remarkable free kick by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri put them ahead just three minutes before halftime.
The score remained unchanged, although Arsenal missed a chance to extend their lead to 3-1 in injury time when Pau Lopez saved Raheem Sterling's penalty.
The other teams that qualified directly include Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa.
