Barcelona overcame a spirited challenge from Slavia Prague to secure a 4-2 comeback victory at the Fortuna Arena on Wednesday night. Despite a shaky first half where the Czech champions exploited set-pieces, Hansi Flick’s side showed their clinical edge to claim all three points in the 7th round of the Champions League league phase.
Slavia Stun Favorites in Prague
Entering the match as overwhelming favorites, Barcelona were met with a hostile atmosphere in Prague. The home side, fighting for their survival in the competition, utilized set-pieces as their primary weapon, punishing the Spanish giants early on.
Slavia Prague played some of their best football of the tournament in the opening 45 minutes, leading many to wonder if an upset was on the cards. However, their inability to maintain that physical intensity in the second half ultimately proved costly.
Barcelona’s Tactical Superiority Prevails
The second half saw a different Barcelona. With improved ball retention and quicker transitions, the visitors dismantled Slavia’s defensive block. While not a vintage performance from the Catalan club, the 4-2 scoreline reflected their offensive depth and ability to punish mistakes.
For Slavia Prague, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their European campaign. Having failed to secure a single win in seven matches, they are now mathematically eliminated from progressing to the knockout stages, with only pride left to play for in their final fixture.
FULL TIME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AcJj3FizDG
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 21, 2026
Champions League Standings Impact
With this victory, Barcelona continues their climb up the table, solidifying their position in the race for a direct spot in the Round of 16. The win adds more pressure to rivals like Manchester City and Bayern Munich, who are also vying for a top-eight finish.
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.
