According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is set to face SK Slavia Prague in freezing conditions of minus five degrees Celsius in a crucial Champions League match that will directly impact whether the team can secure automatic qualification into the top eight of the knockout stage.
The report notes that although Barcelona’s 11-match winning streak was ended by their away defeat to Real Sociedad, external confidence in the team remains undiminished: Flick’s side is still widely regarded as a strong contender for all major titles, including the Champions League. After a wait of more than 40 days, Barcelona returns to Champions League action today with an away fixture against SK Slavia Prague. Their last Champions League match was a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, secured by two goals from Jules Koundé.
There is no better stage than Europe’s elite competition to reignite a winning rhythm—especially since Barcelona has not yet locked in a top-eight spot in the new “league phase” format, with only two matches remaining. To avoid the play-off round, they must win tonight in the freezing Prague and then defeat Copenhagen again next Wednesday at Camp Nou. Even if they collect all six points to reach 16, they will still need several rivals to drop points, as they currently sit 15th—just two points behind the top eight but needing to overtake seven teams.
Moreover, Barcelona also need a convincing victory. This may sound demanding, but their current goal difference is only +3, which would leave them at a clear disadvantage in any potential tiebreakers. This is the price the team pays for its inconsistent start to the season—losses to Paris Saint-Germain (1-2) and Chelsea (3-0), and especially a frustrating draw (3-3) against Bruges, a team not considered among Europe’s elite.
But those are all early-season memories now. Today’s Barcelona, despite the setback against Real Sociedad, has reignited hope just as it did last season. It’s hard to imagine another match this season where the team suffers such bad luck (hitting the woodwork five times), displays such poor finishing (squandering multiple chances due to wayward final passes or shots), and endures controversial refereeing decisions like those from referee José María Sánchez Martínez (Hil-Mansano) and his VAR assistant Granado.
All of this will be tested on a freezing night in Prague, where temperatures are expected to drop to minus five degrees Celsius. It will be a night requiring gloves, thermal tights, and full cold-weather gear.
The cold hasn’t prevented Raphinha’s return; after missing the Real Sociedad match due to a right leg contusion, he has been confirmed fit to play. Ferran Torres attempted to recover in time, but muscle issues ultimately ruled him out, joining suspended Lamine Yamal, injured Gavi and Christensen, and João Cancelo—who was not registered for the Champions League—leave in Barcelona. Additionally, Ter Stegen did not travel with the squad. However, five B-team players have been included in the matchday list: goalkeeper Kochen, left-back Jofre Torrents, midfielder Tommy Marqués, attacking midfielder Juan Hernández, and winger Dani Rodríguez.
Although SK Slavia Prague is more accustomed to cold weather, they lack recent match rhythm—the Czech league’s winter break means they haven’t played an official match since December 13. This could be a double-edged sword: after preparing with several friendlies, they might enter the game with fresher legs. SK Slavia Prague currently has only three points and is almost certainly destined to be one of the 12 teams eliminated from the 36-club competition. They have nothing left to lose.
tedaikruy
9
All I know is today barca will lose dramatically