Barcelona Secure Pivotal 4-2 Triumph Over Slavia Prague to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive

Key Takeaways:

• Barcelona recorded a crucial 4:2 away victory against Slavia Prague in the seventh round of the Champions League main phase
• Fermin Lopez struck twice in the first half, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski completed the turnaround after the break
• Barcelona’s win drew them level on points with Chelsea and leaves Hansi Flick’s side battling for a top 8 finish and a direct round of 16 berth

Match Overview and Tactical Shifts

Barcelona overcame a nervy evening in Prague to win 4:2 against Slavia Prague, keeping their campaign for a top-eight finish in the Champions League main phase on track. The Spanish champions weathered a challenging first half, coming from behind twice, before asserting control in the second period to claim all three points at Sinobo Stadium.

FULL TIME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AcJj3FizDG

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 21, 2026

The opening exchanges saw Barcelona uncharacteristically vulnerable at the back. Vasil Kusej opened the scoring for the hosts after just ten minutes, capitalising on a scrappy passage following a corner. Despite some bright spells, the Catalan side conceded a second time in a dramatic moment, when Robert Lewandowski inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 44th minute, after Fermin Lopez had previously levelled with a brace in the 34th and 42nd minutes. At the interval, the scores were locked at 2:2, but the visitors looked transformed following the restart.

Barca found renewed urgency in the second half, adding goals through substitute Dani Olmo (63′) and Lewandowski (71′), who redeemed his earlier mistake. Frenkie de Jong found the net as well, only for his effort to be ruled out by VAR for offside. That attacking edge, combined with improved defensive discipline, enabled Hansi Flick’s squad to see out the match and take a significant step towards qualification.

Playoff Implications and Dynamics

The result moves Barcelona onto level points with Chelsea, who secured a narrow 1:0 win over Pafos. Newcastle and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain also possess the same number of points in the table, creating a congested race for the last direct qualification spots for the round of 16. Barcelona now require victory in their final match and a slip-up from either Chelsea, Tottenham (currently one point ahead), or Liverpool under the right scenarios, to book a guaranteed spot in the knockout phase without requiring a playoff.

Slavia Prague’s challenge for European progression is officially over, as the Czech side have just three points from seven matches and sit 34th, now mathematically unable to overtake Olympiacos in 24th place. In a slight consolation, their attacking tally has doubled from two to four goals across the campaign thus far.

Support, Selection, and Additional Context

Over a thousand devoted Barcelona fans travelled the 1,700 kilometres to Prague for this fixture, filling the away section to capacity despite the high stakes and cold temperatures. Both teams paid their respects before kickoff with a minute’s silence for the victims of the Córdoba train disaster in Spain on 20 January.

Slavia Prague handed starts to eight domestic players, with Lukáš Provod – previously credited with both his team’s Champions League assists – a focal point in midfield. For the visitors, Hansi Flick made four changes from the loss to Real Sociedad over the weekend, including returns for Gerard Martin, Roony Bardghji, Raphinha, and Lewandowski. Pau Cubarsí and Dani Olmo began the game on the bench, while Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres were not included in the squad.

Detailed Match Analysis and Scoring Summary

The hosts started brightly, creating chances and putting Barcelona’s defence under pressure. The opener arrived through Kusej, who netted at the second attempt. Barcelona’s response was initially muted, as Slavia Prague maintained intensity and discipline. However, a slick passage of play and interplay between Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong set up Fermin Lopez for the equaliser, and the midfielder added a second from another close-range finish soon after. A defensive lapse allowed Lewandowski, under pressure, to inadvertently score against his own team, bringing the Czechs level right before the break.

Barcelona adjusted their approach after halftime. Pedri immediately tested goalkeeper Staněk, and Frenkie de Jong had a goal disallowed after VAR reviewed the build-up for offside. Hansi Flick then introduced Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo, with the latter having a near-instant impact, firing in a curling strike after a chaotic passage in the Slavia box. The contest was settled when Lewandowski, atoning for his earlier error, confidently stroked home the fourth goal for the visitors. The final period saw Barcelona create further opportunities but they were unable to add to their tally, while Slavia Prague’s Lukáš Provod remained the most threatening presence for the Czechs until the final whistle.

Next Fixtures and Tournament Outlook

In the decisive final round, Barcelona will host FC Copenhagen. After drawing with Napoli, the Danish side have slipped out of the top 24, and their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase appear remote. Slavia Prague, meanwhile, face a trip to play Pafos. Remarkably, all fixtures of the eighth round in the Champions League’s main phase are scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January, with simultaneous kick-off promising a dramatic conclusion to the main phase.