Fermin Lopez scores twice as Barcelona beat Slavia Prague 4-2 in the Champions League to keep their top-eight hopes alive
FERMIN Lopez’s first-half brace helped Barcelona to a 4-2 Champions League victory at Slavia Prague.
The win keeps the Catalans in contention for a top-eight finish in the league phase, which guarantees direct passage to the last 16.
Barca coach Hansi Flick said he was happy with the team’s performance. “We didn’t start well in this Champions League, but at the end we still have the chance to reach the (top) eight and this is what we want,” he told reporters.
The visitors bounced back from a weekend La Liga defeat on a freezing night in the Czech capital. Slavia took a surprise early lead through Vasil Kusej in the 10th minute.
Lopez equalised in the 34th minute and put Barca ahead eight minutes later. Slavia drew level just before half-time via a Robert Lewandowski own goal.
Dani Olmo restored Barcelona’s lead with a superb strike in the 63rd minute. Lewandowski then scored at the right end, sealing the win from close range in the 71st minute.
Lopez described it as a tough game. “We knew it would be a tough game because of the cold, the pitch, they put the pressure on you really well here,” he told Movistar.
Flick will be without the suspended Frenkie de Jong for their final group game against Copenhagen. Lamine Yamal will return from suspension, but Ferran Torres and the injured Pedri are doubts.
The match began with a minute’s silence for the victims of Sunday’s train crash in Spain. Slavia Prague were eliminated after their fourth loss in seven European matches.
