Alejandro Balde was left red-faced ahead of Barcelona's Champions League clash with Atalanta, conceding he had never heard of La Dea boss Gian Piero Gasperini.

Second-place Barca are one of two teams already guaranteed a place in the last 16 of this season's revamped competition, having collected 18 points from their opening seven games.

The Blaugrana will be joined by seventh-place Atalanta should the reigning Europa League champions take all three points at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Gasperini guided La Dea to their first ever major European silverware last term courtesy of that Europa League triumph, while his side are very much in this season's race for the Serie A crown in third place.

Balde praised Atalanta, but was left stumped when asked about their boss' style of play during Barca's pre-match press conference.

"Atalanta are a great team, I think they're having a great season in Serie A," he told reporters. 

"And the other one you said; who was it? The player? I haven't heard who he was. Who is that? I don't know."

When reminded, he laughed: "Oh, okay, the truth is I had no idea. Well, I don't know, I guess good."

Barca have won seven of their last eight Champions League home matches, scoring 25 goals along the way.

Although, Atalanta have won all three of their away games in this season's competition, making them one of two sides to achieve that feat along with league phase leaders Liverpool.