Barcelona strengthened their hopes of direct Champions League qualification with a hard-fought win over Slavia on a freezing night in Prague.
In temperatures of -6C, the hosts struck first after just ten minutes. Tomas Holes flicked on a corner, and Vasil Kusej forced the ball over the line.
Barcelona responded with growing authority as Fermín López led the revival. His fierce 34th-minute strike beat Jindrich Stanek at the near post.
Eight minutes later, López struck again with a beautifully curled effort. The midfielder’s composure dragged Barcelona firmly back into control.
However, Slavia refused to fade quietly before the interval. Robert Lewandowski endured misfortune as the ball bounced off his shoulder into his own net.
That goal ensured the contest remained finely balanced at halftime. Slavia still believed, knowing only victory would keep their campaign alive.
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Barcelona’s depth tells as Flick’s changes seal control
After the break, Barcelona dominated possession and territory while Savia struggled to match the Spanish side’s tempo and movement.
Hansi Flick then turned to his bench for inspiration. Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo were introduced just after the hour mark. The impact of the substitutions was immediate. Olmo struck within three minutes of Brig thrown into the fray. He struck a superb 18-yard finish into the top corner.
Soon after, Rashford played his part with a clever contribution. He set up Lewandowski, who hooked home Barcelona’s fourth.
With only three points from seven matches, Slavia Prague were eliminated. Their European journey ended with a game still remaining.
Barcelona, meanwhile, climbed to ninth in the league standings. The victory keeps their top-eight ambitions alive.
To avoid February’s two-legged play-off, Barcelona must beat Copenhagen next Wednesday. They will also rely on favourable results elsewhere.
Confidence remains high within the squad. Barcelona recently lifted the Spanish Super Cup and continue to chase multiple trophies. They sit top of La Liga and remain in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Tags: Barcelona, Slavia Prague, Fermín López, #SLABAR, #UCL, #ChampionsLeague, Jindrich Stanek, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Vasil Kusej.
