Barcelona clinch knockout stage berth with win over Slavia Prague, eyeing Top 8 finish

Barcelona travelled to Prague without several key players. Ferran Torres missed out through injury, while Lamine Yamal was suspended. Robert Lewandowski and Ronny Bardghji returned to the starting XI in their absence, with Marcus Rashford and Pau Cubarsí beginning the match on the bench.

The visitors were caught off guard early, conceding in the 10th minute when Vasil Kušej scored from a corner. Barcelona responded by increasing the pressure and were rewarded in the 34th minute, as Fermín López finished calmly after a precise through ball from Frenkie de Jong. Seven minutes later, Fermín completed his brace with a powerful strike from outside the box.

However, Slavia Prague struck again just before half-time. From another corner, Lewandowski inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, bringing the score level at 2-2.

In the second half, Barcelona continued to push for goals but struggled to convert their chances. Head coach Hansi Flick made several substitutions in the 61st minute, and the changes paid off almost immediately. Just two minutes after coming on, Dani Olmo restored Barcelona’s lead with another long-range goal.

Barcelona sealed the win late on, as Lewandowski made amends by scoring the fourth goal, assisted by Marcus Rashford. The 4-2 result secured Barcelona’s fourth Champions League victory of the season.

Speaking after the match, Flick praised his team’s response. “It wasn’t easy out there today. It was really cold and Slavia are a physical team. I said before the game that it would be physical and that they have some great players and it’s not easy to defend against them,” he said.

“I am really happy with the team’s reaction and in the end we deserved the three points, especially after our much better second-half performance. Fermín was really good and Dani Olmo came on and scored a really important goal. Lewandowski played all 90 minutes and fought all the way, fantastic to see.”

Flick also provided an update on Pedri, who limped off in the second half. “I don’t know exactly how he is but it’s a hamstring problem. We will have to wait until tomorrow to see how he goes, but it’s not good news,” the German coach added.

Following the win, Barcelona will return to La Liga to face Real Oviedo on Sunday before hosting Copenhagen in their final Champions League Swiss Stage match on 29 January.