Barcelona Fight Back in Prague as Top-Eight Hopes Rise and Pedri Injury Looms
Barcelona needed a response and in freezing Prague they got one, but not without fresh questions hanging over their Champions League campaign. A 4–2 win away to Slavia Prague keeps Barcelona firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish, yet the night exposed both their resilience going forward and their continuing fragility at the back.
Slavia Prague struck first, punishing Barcelona early from a set piece and immediately reminding everyone why this stadium can be so uncomfortable for visiting teams. For Barcelona, it was another warning sign in a competition where defensive lapses have become a worrying pattern. But what followed was a strong reminder of their attacking depth and mentality.
Fermín López stepped into the spotlight. Twice he found space, twice he finished with confidence and suddenly Barcelona were in control. His goals were not just important on the scoreboard. They showed how much responsibility this young side is willing to take when the pressure rises. Yet control never truly felt secure. An unfortunate own goal brought Slavia back level and again Barcelona were left questioning their organisation when defending dead-ball situations.
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The turning point came in the second half. Dani Olmo, coming off the bench, produced a moment of quality that shifted the momentum for good. One touch, then a strike of pure conviction. It was the kind of goal that settles a team and quiets a hostile crowd. From there, Robert Lewandowski made sure the job was finished, scoring his first Champions League goal of the season and underlining his importance in the biggest moments.
This result matters far beyond one night in Prague. The win lifts Barcelona level on points with several heavyweights battling for the final automatic qualification spots. With rivals still to face each other on the final matchday, Barcelona now know that a home victory in their last game could be enough to avoid the playoff round and move straight into the round of sixteen.
But the celebration is tempered by real concern. Pedri’s injury cast a shadow over the win. When he went down clutching his hamstring, the reaction from the bench said everything. Pedri is the rhythm of this team. Without him, Barcelona lose control, balance and calm in midfield. With crucial matches ahead, his fitness could define how far this side can realistically go.
So this was a night of progress and problems. Barcelona showed character, attacking quality and belief. They also showed vulnerability that elite opponents will exploit without mercy. The margin for error is shrinking and every detail now counts.
Stay with us as the Champions League race tightens, the stakes rise and Barcelona’s season heads toward a defining final chapter.
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