For Barcelona, the trip to Prague was about survival and standings. Needing three points to stay in the hunt for automatic qualification, Hansi Flick’s men endured a rollercoaster evening that highlighted both their resilience and their lingering vulnerabilities.
After falling behind early, it took a Fermín López brace to steady the ship, but even then, Slavia Prague refused to fade. It wasn't until the closing stages that Hansi Flick’s side truly asserted their authority, sealing a chaotic victory through a Dani Olmo moment of magic and a clinical Robert Lewandowski finish.
The four positives and two negatives from an important victory in the Czech capital:
Positive 1: Fermin is the star of the show
Whether by luck or foresight, Barcelona’s decision to rebuff Chelsea’s advances for Fermín López is paying massive dividends. The midfielder was the catalyst against Slavia Prague, proving his clinical edge with two first-half goals.
His statistical output of 5 goals and 2 assists in this European campaign is now too significant to ignore. By installing Fermín as the fixed attacking focal point, Hansi Flick can optimize his squad allowing the technical duo of Pedri and De Jong to operate as a fluid, creative engine room in the double pivot.
Positive 2: Three points to take home
In the end, it was a case of "job done" for Barcelona. They arrived in Prague needing three points to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive, and eventually, their quality told.
Despite some worrying moments, their class eventually shone through in what was a tricky European away day, much like their earlier trip to Club Brugge. Though they struggled with Slavia’s intensity in the opening stages, the Blaugrana’s technical edge and late-game stamina ultimately proved the difference.
Negative 1: Two goals conceded from set-pieces
Conceding twice from in-swinging corners is a significant cause for concern, especially with Slavia Prague players successfully ghosting in front of their markers on multiple occasions. Both goals were defensively scrappy, preventable, and poorly managed.
These were "ugly" goals to give away, and Barcelona must address this set-piece fragility quickly before upcoming opponents begin to target it as a proven Achilles' heel.
Positive 3: Win without Lamine Yamal
Winning without Lamine Yamal is a vital psychological boost, echoing similar grit shown earlier in the campaign. Typically, Barcelona’s build-up is funnelled toward the right flank in hopes of a Yamal masterclass, but in Prague, the threat was more varied. By moving away from "Yamal-dependency," the team proved they have the collective quality to find different ways to win.
Positive 4: Barcelona in good league position
Level on points with the top eight but currently on the outside looking in, Barcelona’s path to automatic qualification is clear. The upcoming PSG-Newcastle clash guarantees a shake-up in the standings, meaning a win over Copenhagen would likely see Flick’s men leapfrog into the advanced seeds.
With Chelsea and Tottenham facing grueling away tests in Naples and Frankfurt, the opportunity is there for the taking.
However, with the margins so thin, Barcelona must prioritize a heavy goal-scoring display and a clean sheet next week to ensure their goal difference is enough to settle any ties.
Negative 2: Pedri injury
Just as Barcelona appeared to be building genuine momentum, a familiar shadow fell over the squad at the hour mark. Pedri’s immediate withdrawal due to a right hamstring issue was more than a tactical setback; Hansi Flick’s visible disappointment suggested a significant recovery timeline after talks with his medical staff.
No news yet, I guess, is good news.