Fermin Lopez nets brace as Barcelona triumphs over Slavia Prague

Fermin Lopez struck twice before the interval, with further strikes from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski after the break, giving Barcelona a 4-2 victory in the Champions League against Slavia Prague on Wednesday.

This outcome leaves Barcelona still vying for a place in the top eight of the league stage, which would secure a direct entry into the round of 16.

The Spanish side will host Copenhagen in their concluding league stage fixture next week.

"I am pleased we managed to turn things around, the squad performed well, and I believe we earned those points in the end," Barcelona manager Hansi Flick remarked to the press.

"Our Champions League campaign did not begin smoothly, yet we retain the opportunity to finish in the top eight, which aligns with our aims, as it would spare us two extra matches," he continued.

Barcelona returned to form with a win on a bitterly cold evening in Prague, following their La Liga defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday that halted an 11-game winning streak.

Slavia Prague, the current Czech title holders back from their winter hiatus, had previously recorded just three draws and two goals across their Champions League matches this term.

However, they surged ahead after 10 minutes when forward Vasil Kusej bundled the ball over the line at the back post from Tomas Holes's flicked header off a set piece.

Lopez restored parity for Barcelona in the 34th minute, latching onto an unopposed position inside the area after a delivery from captain Frenkie de Jong.

Eight minutes on, he put the visitors ahead with a driven effort that surprised Slavia keeper Jindrich Stanek.

Slavia levelled matters right before the break, as Lewandowski unfortunately turned a corner into the path of Barcelona's Joan Garcia.

Olmo prevented embarrassment for Barcelona by rifling an excellent shot into the upper corner in the 63rd minute, shortly after coming on for the injured Pedri.

Lewandowski then made amends in the 71st minute, tapping in from near range courtesy of a pass from Marcus Rashford.

Challenging encounter

"We anticipated a difficult match due to the freezing conditions, the surface, and their intense pressing, especially after conceding, it became complicated," Lopez shared with Movistar.

"Our aim was to keep a shutout, but it proved tough. The key takeaway is the win, achieved by a two-goal margin, and now we look ahead."

Flick had to cope without the banned Lamine Yamal and forward Ferran Torres, sidelined by a muscular issue.

He anticipates another stern test versus Copenhagen. Yamal returns for that clash, but Torres and Pedri remain uncertain, while De Jong faces suspension after a booking in Prague.

"Circumstances like these arise, we must handle them, and we have the shot at top-eight qualification. That remains our target," the German tactician noted.

The Prague fixture opened with a moment of silence to honour those lost in Spain's tragic train accident on Sunday, which claimed 43 lives.

Slavia's fourth defeat in seven continental games saw them drop to third from bottom in the table and exit the competition.