Barcelona faces a decisive night in the UEFA Champions League, as Hansi Flick’s men take on Slavia Prague at the Eden Arena with their “Top 8” hopes hanging in the balance.
Currently sitting in 15th place with 10 points, the Catalans are three points adrift of the direct qualification zone. With only two games remaining in the league stage, the mission is clear: six points are mandatory. Speaking from Prague, Flick was adamant about the club’s philosophy: “When you play for Barcelona, the objective is to win the Champions League. It’s everyone’s dream, and we are ready for the pressure.”
Tactical Headache: Missing Stars
Flick will have to navigate this “final” without some of his most influential players. The biggest blow is the absence of Lamine Yamal, who is suspended for this round. Additionally, the medical department remains busy:
- Lamine Yamal: Out (Suspended).
- Gavi & Andreas Christensen: Out (Injured).
- The Silver Lining: Raphinha has recovered from a minor knock and is expected to lead the attack alongside Marcus Rashford.
Standings & The G-8 Race
Barcelona enters Matchday 7 knowing that any slip-up could relegate them to the knockout phase play-offs (9th to 24th place). To reach the eighth-placed Atalanta (13 pts), Barça must overcome a Slavia Prague side that, despite being 33rd in the table, is known for their physical and high-fouling style of play.
Probable Lineups
Slavia Prague:
Stanek; Holes, Chaloupek, Ogbu, Zima; Doudera, Moses, Provod, Sadilek, Sanyang; Chytil.
FC Barcelona:
Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Fermín (or Dani Olmo); Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
