Barcelona recorded its fourth win in seven Champions League group-stage matches. At 13 points, they advanced to 9th place overall. Next, they will host Copenhagen in the final group stage match, followed by the knockout stages.
Slavia Prague — Barcelona 2:4
Group Stage, Matchday 7
Goals:
Kušej – 10′
López Martín – 34′
López Martín – 42′
Lewandowski (og) – 44′
Olmo – 63′
Lewandowski – 71′
Hansi Flick’s side played this one in Prague without suspended player Lamine Yamal. Flick placed Ferran Bargalló on the right wing instead. Both Hansi Flick’s side and Jindřich Trpišovský’s team entertained right from the kickoff. Early chances came quickly. Slavia almost scored when Martín (subbing for the injured Cubarsí in central defense) completely missed the ball. On the counter, Fermín had a golden opportunity on 7 minutes, but he blasted a great chance wide. This was the first time Barça even touched the ball within the box.
Slavia’s Corners Were Especially Threatening Due To Poor Barca Defense
Slavia mostly played in a mid-to-low block throughout the game (they only had 33% of the possession), but they did counter-attack effectively. Slavia’s corners were also especially threatening due to poor marking by Barça. Sure enough, right at the end of the 10th minute, they scored from one. Holeš sent a headed backpost to Kušej. He entangled himself with De Jong, and basically just fell over the line with the ball squeezed between his legs. It was an hilarious goal, to be honest. The Slavia midfielder ripped off his lucky boot in celebration, picked it up and ran around like he was trying to sell it to someone in the crowd. There are plenty of buyers on the stands tonight, I’m sure.
The First 30 Minutes Did Not Go As Planned For Flick
Slavia Prague vs Barcelona – barcablaugranes.com
First 30 minutes of the game did not go as planned by Flick. Bardghji looked lost; the team didn’t click. Although Slavia hadn’t played a competitive game in a month, they looked very good against a top opponent.
Then on 34 minutes, Barça finally leveled the score, opening up the center of Slavia’s midfield. Eric García went forward unmarked; Raphinha provided a clever backheel; De Jong delivered a beautiful through ball to Fermín, who lifted it over Staňek’s head. The keeper probably should’ve done better on that, if I am being honest.
Fermín Was Now A Man On Fire
Fermín was now a man on fire. 8 minutes later, he scored his second. Slavia’s pivot zone collapsed once again, and he got the ball 20 meters out with way too much space and ripped it home. Classy finish – 0:1 was now 2:1 in an instant.
But Slavia Refused To Lie Down
However, Slavia would not go down easily. In fact, just before halftime, they scored yet another goal from a corner! Barça lost the battle for the near-post once again, Haloukek attempted to cross it in, but it bounced off Lewandowski and curved in. Luck deflection; huge luck for the Czechs.
The Second Half Opened Up Wide
Slavia Prague vs Barcelona – barcablaugranes.com
In the second half, the game opened up wide as possible in a favorite vs. underdog match. Slavia kept their cool, but whenever they pressed, they left big gaps behind them. Barça had many opportunities to score, including around 50′, winning the second ball, Fermín smashes another long shot, De Jong pokes in the rebound… but it was called offside for a small margin.
Flick’s Changes Made The Difference
It was Flick’s changes that ultimately made the difference however. Olmo and Rashford entered for Pedri and Bardghji. Only minutes later, Dani collected a loose ball after two Slavia defenders collided while clearing the ball, and he curls a beauty into the top corner. 3:2.
Halfway Through The Second Half Barça Finished Off The Tie
Halfway through the second half, Barcelona finished off the tie. Lewandowski – after scoring in his own net previously – made sure to get one at the right end too. Rashford’s pass from the left was not ideal, but Robert controlled it with his thigh, beat the keeper to the ball and slotted it in. Nice finish under pressure.
Final Statistics & Takeaway
Both teams combined for over 30 shots (12:20 in favor of Barça, 2:12 on target). Great attacking display from Barça, but those two set-piece goals were awful. You cannot keep giving away corners like that and expect to make it far in this competition.
