Barcelona secured a crucial 4-2 victory away at Slavia Praha in Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, in a game that could make the difference in their bid to reach the knockout stage.
The match started in difficult conditions for the Catalans. Slavia Prague took the lead early, applying pressure and capitalizing on a well-worked corner to put the home side ahead. Barcelona looked slightly off rhythm in the first half, with Slavia’s energy and compact defence testing Flick’s squad. However, Barca began to find their footing as the game progressed.
Fermín López was the standout performer early on. He struck twice in the first half to turn the game around, first equalizing in the 34th minute with a composed finish. Just minutes later, he put Barcelona in front with a well-placed strike that gave Barca a 2–1 lead heading into halftime.
Right before the break, Slavia found a way back into the match with a goal that brought the score to 2–2. This came through an unfortunate own goal by Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, which reset the contest and ensured the second half would be tense.
The second half belonged to Barcelona. Dani Olmo opened the scoring again for Barca in the 64th minute, converting a flowing team move that restored their lead and shifted momentum noticeably in their favour. His strike was not only crucial on the scoreboard, but also visibly lifted Barca’s confidence after a shaky first 45 minutes.
With Slavia chasing the game, Barcelona exploited spaces at the back. Lewandowski redeemed his earlier error by netting the fourth goal in the 70th minute, assisted by Marcus Rashford in a quick transition move that caught the hosts unprepared. That goal effectively sealed the comeback and put the Catalans firmly in control for the final stages.
The victory was hugely significant for Barcelona’s European ambitions this season. The win keeps them in contention for a top-eight finish in the group phase, which grants direct qualification to the Round of 16 of the Champions League. Entering the final matchday with this result, Barca’s hopes remain alive as they look to secure progression in one of the toughest groups.
However, the night wasn’t without concerns. Barcelona suffered a setback as midfielder Pedri was forced off with a hamstring injury in the second half. The severity of his injury will be watched closely in the coming days, as Pedri has been a central figure in Barca’s midfield this season.
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