Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was delighted with his team's performance in their 2-2 draw away to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday, despite missing out on an automatic spot in the round of 16.

Following the draw, Atalanta slipped to ninth in the 36-team league, missing out on the top eight by just one point meaning that they will face either Club Brugge or Sporting in the play-off round.

But Gasperini was quick to make it clear that there was no disappointment on his part.

"We are Atalanta, we have to be happy to play in the Champions League, to compete with the best European teams," he told reporters.

"For us it is all a great experience, hearing (the fans) sing in these stadiums... Those who think differently [must be] frustrated."

FULL TIME!  Barça finish second in the Champions League league phase!#BarçaAtalanta | @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/OsVtBTAH0H

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 29, 2025

While a win would have seen them claim a top-eight spot, Atalanta twice came from behind to earn the draw in Barcelona.

With the prospect of a tricky play-off tie to come, Gasperini was asked whether he felt satisfied or regretted missing out on the bye to the round of 16.

"It's the first one all the way," he said. "We are in the Champions League. We will next play and see what happens against Sporting or Brugge, it's not like we're used to it.

"We played in the Champions League for four years, this type of match really enhances the team."

Atalanta advanced to the quarter-final on their competition debut in 2019-20, before reaching round of 16 the following year and being eliminated at group stage in 2021-22. Last season, meanwhile, they won the Europa League, beating previously undefeated Bayer Leverkusen in the final.