Barcelona left Eden Arena with a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague on January 21, 2026, a result that combined individual brilliance with lingering defensive questions, and that carried a fresh blow as Pedri left the field with a hamstring problem. Fermín López scored twice to spark the recovery, Dani Olmo added a sublime second-half goal, and Robert Lewandowski sealed the win after a first-half own goal had briefly levelled the score.
Match at a glance
The game began badly for Barcelona when Vasil Kusej bundled Slavia into a surprise lead from a set piece in the 10th minute. Barcelona responded through Fermín López, who converted a neat move on 34 minutes and then struck again from distance on 42 to put the visitors ahead. A scrambled own goal by Robert Lewandowski in stoppage time before half made it 2-2, but Dani Olmo restored the lead on 63 and Lewandowski converted a Marcus Rashford assist on 70 to make it 4-2.
Key facts, quick:
- Final score, Slavia Prague 2, Barcelona 4
- Date and venue, January 21, 2026, Eden Arena, Prague
- Scorers, Vasil Kusej (10'), Fermín López (34', 42'), Robert Lewandowski (70'), Dani Olmo (63'); Lewandowski credited with an own goal (44') for the hosts
- Injury note, Pedri sustained a hamstring issue and was substituted, with the club later confirming a period out for the midfielder
Key moments and turning points
Early shock and Barca response
Slavia's opener came from a corner, showing the hosts' readiness to make set pieces a weapon. Barcelona's response grew in stages, with Fermín López delivering two clinical finishes to swing momentum in the visitors' favour.
Own goal drama and the second half reset
An unfortunate touch by Lewandowski turned a Slavia corner into an equaliser just before half time, and the teams went in level at 2-2. Barcelona's second half showed better control and sharper application in the final third, and the introduction of substitutes gave them a decisive edge.
Substitutes that mattered
Marcus Rashford's cameo proved important, his movement creating the space for Lewandowski's late goal, and Dani Olmo came on to score an exquisitely placed finish that broke Slavia's resistance.
Barcelona's performance was a reminder that individual quality can change a game quickly, but conceding twice from set pieces leaves questions that will not go away overnight.
Match statistics (selected)
Statistic | Slavia Prague | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
Possession | 40.6% | 59.4% |
Shots | 12 | 20 |
Shots on target | 2 | 12 |
Corners | 5 | 4 |
Accurate passes | 248 | 432 |
The numbers underline Barcelona's dominance in territory and chance creation, while also highlighting Slavia's threat from corners and the contrast between chances created and clinical finishing.
Tactical snapshot
Barcelona, structure and vulnerabilities
Barcelona lined up in a 4-2-3-1 that aimed to control midfield through Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, with Fermín López operating between the lines to exploit space. The side created a lot, but their defending at set pieces was inconsistent, and two goals conceded from similar situations underlined a recurring vulnerability.
Slavia Prague, game plan
Slavia showed the sort of pragmatic, set-piece-driven approach that smaller clubs often deploy against top European teams, using compact defensive blocks and attacking quickly from wide corners. Their early goal was a product of commitment to that plan, and they kept pressing until the late stages.
```
Formations (approximate)
Slavia Prague (3-5-2)
GK: Stanek
CBs: Holes, Zima, Chaloupek
Wing-backs: Moses, Provod
Midfield: Sadílek, Oscar Dorley
Forwards: Chory, Kusej
Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
GK: Garcia
Defence: Balde, Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric Garcia
Double pivot: De Jong, Pedri
Three: Raphinha, Fermín López, Roony Bardghji
ST: Robert Lewandowski
```
Player notes and impact
- Fermín López, the game's protagonist, scored two goals and showed a mix of timing and composure, a reminder of why he has earned more starts this season.
- Dani Olmo made an immediate impact off the bench, his curled finish a moment of class and a plausible argument for more regular inclusion while Pedri is sidelined.
- Robert Lewandowski had a night of mixed fortunes, an own goal in the first half followed by a composed strike to secure the win in the second.
- Pedri's injury is the blunt, unavoidable headline beyond the scoreline, with the club later confirming a hamstring issue that will keep him out for a period, and that poses selection and tactical questions for the weeks ahead.
Multiple viewpoints
- From Barcelona's perspective, the win was valuable and came thanks to match winners in midfield and incisive substitutions, but the manner of the two goals conceded shows a recurring problem that coach Hansi Flick must address.
- From Slavia's perspective, the match delivered positives despite defeat: the team executed set-piece plans, took early initiative, and showed resilience to lead and level against one of Europe's heavyweight clubs.
- Neutral observers will note the tension between Barcelona's attacking firepower and defensive lapses, a balance that often defines outcomes in knockout or league-phase fixtures.
Group implications and what's next
The victory strengthened Barcelona's position in the Champions League league phase, improving their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding the knockout play-offs. Slavia remain on a low points tally and will need results in the final matchday to alter their path in European competition.
Barcelona's immediate concern is the absence of Pedri, a central figure in their midfield, which will force tactical adjustments in upcoming La Liga and cup fixtures. Slavia can build on the performance as a blueprint for how to trouble top opposition, especially from dead-ball situations.
Conclusion
The scoreline, 4-2 in favour of Barcelona, tells the basic story, but the finer lines remain important: a moment of midfield brilliance swung the tie, substitutes changed the game's shape, and defensive lapses in the same area keep questions alive for both the coach and the supporters. For Barcelona this was a much-needed result, gained at a price, and for Slavia it was proof that planning and belief can yield opportunities against Europe’s elite.
For supporters watching the season unfold, the next week will reveal whether Barcelona can convert this momentum into a safe passage through the Champions League league phase, and whether Pedri's recovery timeline will influence selection and results in the short term.