Barcelona survived an early setback to secure a crucial 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in Champions League Matchday 7, keeping their hopes of automatic qualification for the round of 16 alive. Playing without suspended star Lamine Yamal, Hansi Flick's side showed resilience after falling behind early, with Fermín López's brace proving decisive in a dramatic encounter at the Fortuna Arena.
The match started disastrously for Barcelona as Vasil Kusej stunned the visitors with an early goal in the ninth minute, giving Slavia Prague a dream start in front of their home supporters. However, Barcelona's quality shone through as Fermín López sparked a remarkable seven-minute turnaround, netting twice to put the Catalans ahead before halftime seemed certain.
Just when Barcelona appeared to be heading into the break with a lead, Robert Lewandowski inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following a Slavia Prague corner kick, leveling the score at 2-2 at halftime. The own goal gave the Czech side renewed hope and created an atmosphere of tension heading into the second half.
Flick's tactical adjustments paid dividends after the restart as Dani Olmo restored Barcelona's lead with a spectacular long-range strike in the 63rd minute. The Spanish international's thunderous effort left the goalkeeper with no chance and demonstrated the attacking depth available to the German coach despite key absences.
Lewandowski redeemed himself for his earlier misfortune by heading home Barcelona's fourth goal in the 70th minute, sealing the three points. Marcus Rashford, making an impact from the bench, played a key role in Barcelona's improved second-half performance, providing energy and directness that troubled the Slavia defense.
The victory lifts Barcelona to ninth place in the league phase standings with 13 points from seven matches, level with seven other teams fighting for a top-eight finish and direct qualification. Slavia Prague remain in dire straits, sitting third from bottom with just three points. Barcelona will face their final league phase match next week knowing that a positive result could secure their passage to the knockout rounds without needing to go through the playoff stage.
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