Barcelona Stage Brilliant Comeback to Beat Slavia Prague in Champions League Thriller

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 22 January 2026 - In a night of intense European action, Barcelona overturned an early deficit to beat Slavia Prague 4-2 in a crucial UEFA Champions League group-stage clash, a win that keeps their hopes of automatic last-16 qualification alive.

The match, played in a bitterly cold Prague, began poorly for the Spanish giants. Slavia stunned Barca early, with Vasil Kusej finishing from close range in the 10th minute after a well-worked corner routine.

Barcelona gradually found their footing and levelled the score before half-time through Fermin López, who struck twice, first in the 34th minute and again in the 42nd, with precise and composed finishes that turned the game around.

However, just before the half-time break, Slavia hit back when Robert Lewandowski inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, making it 2-2 at the interval.

Barcelona emerged after the break with renewed intensity. Dani Olmo restored the lead in the 63rd minute with a powerful strike into the top corner, giving Barca the advantage once again.

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Then, in the 70th minute, Lewandowski redeemed himself by scoring Barcelona’s fourth goal, tapping in from close range after Marcus Rashford’s clever build-up play.

The 4-2 comeback win lifts Barcelona to ninth place in their Champions League group with 13 points, level with several other teams as they chase a Top 8 finish and automatic qualification for the round of 16. Their final group match, at home to Copenhagen, now holds even greater importance.

Despite an early scare and defensive slip-ups, Barcelona’s ability to respond under pressure showed character and resilience, keeping alive their hopes of progressing in Europe’s premier club competition.