Slavia Praha Vs Barcelona: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 |
| Time | 01:30 AM IST (Thursday) |
| Venue | Fortuna Arena, Prague |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
🏟️ Prague Pressure: Barça Seek Top-Eight Foothold Against Slavia
Barcelona travels to the Czech Republic tonight with a clear objective: securing three points to climb into the automatic qualification spots of the Champions League league phase. Hansi Flick's side currently occupies 15th place with 10 points and is eager to bounce back following a disappointing 2-1 domestic defeat to Real Sociedad. While their European form has been steady, a win in Prague is essential to avoid the complications of a playoff round.
For Slavia Praha, the situation is increasingly desperate as they sit 33rd in the table, still searching for their first victory of the campaign. The Czech champions have struggled to translate their domestic dominance—where they lead their league by seven points—into European success, having failed to win any of their first six matches. Returning to competitive action after a month-long winter break, the "Red and Whites" face a monumental task against the Catalan giants.
- Event: UEFA Champions League - League Phase (Matchday 7)
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Time: 09:00 PM CET (01:30 AM IST Thursday)
- Venue: Fortuna Arena, Prague
- Context: Barcelona needs a decisive win to push for a top-eight finish, while Slavia is fighting for survival.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Slavia Praha (Coach: Jindrich Trpisovsky, Form: W L W L W)
Slavia’s preparation has been hindered by a month without competitive football, relying on friendly matches to maintain fitness. While they are undefeated in their last four home games across all competitions, their European record at the Fortuna Arena has been poor, with no wins in their last six home UCL matches. They will likely adopt a vertical 4-2-3-1 system to counter Barcelona’s high line.
Barcelona (Coach: Hansi Flick, Form: W W W W L)
Barcelona had enjoyed a perfect start to 2026 until their recent slip-up in La Liga. Flick’s squad is currently navigating a significant injury list; however, the return of Raphinha to the traveling squad provides a vital boost. Defensively, the Blaugrana have been much improved, keeping six clean sheets in their last eight competitive outings.
⭐ Key Players
- Slavia Praha: Mojmir Chytil (Forward) - A primary domestic threat with seven goals this season, he will be tasked with leading the line against Barcelona's young defense.
- Slavia Praha: Lukas Provod (Midfielder) - The engine of the Slavia midfield, vital for transitions and set-piece delivery.
- Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski (Forward) - The veteran remains lethal, notably scoring a clever goal in Barca's opening match of 2026 against Espanyol.
- Barcelona: Raphinha (Forward) - Cleared by medical staff to return, his creativity is even more crucial with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres sidelined.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Absent Attackers: Barcelona is missing both Lamine Yamal (suspended) and Ferran Torres (hamstring), forcing Flick to reshuffle his front three.
- Slavia's Rustiness: Having played only one competitive match since December 13, Slavia’s match sharpness will be severely tested by Barcelona’s high-tempo style.
- The Make-or-Break Table: With goal difference likely to be a factor, Barcelona will look for a clinical performance to improve their standing.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
Barcelona enters as strong favorites, boasting significantly more quality and recent competitive rhythm. While Slavia Praha is capable of a gritty defensive performance at home, their lack of goals—only two in the league stage so far—makes it difficult to see them upsetting Flick's side. Expect a professional display from the visitors to secure a vital three points.
Predicted Score: Slavia Praha 0–3 Barcelona
Will Barcelona climb back into the top eight, or can Slavia Praha find their first win in the Arctic winter of Prague? Kick-off is at 01:30 AM IST tonight!
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