Barcelona Stalemates Slavia Prague in Champions League Showdown
In a pulsating encounter at the Eden Arena in Prague, FC Barcelona was held to a 2-2 draw by Slavia Prague in the seventh matchday of the Champions League 2025-2026 season. The match, which saw both teams display moments of brilliance, ended with a sense of déjà vu for Barcelona, who were undone by their vulnerability from set pieces once again.
First-Half Drama: Early Goals and a Late Equalizer
The match kicked off at a brisk pace, and it was Slavia Prague who struck first, capitalizing on a corner kick just nine minutes into the game. Vasil Kusej was on hand to nod home from close range, putting the hosts ahead 1-0.
Barcelona responded quickly, however, and leveled the score just before the half-hour mark. A moment of magic from Fermín, the on-loan attacker from Real Betis, saw him strike a stunning long-range effort that left Slavia's goalkeeper Stanek with no chance. The score was tied at 1-1 heading into the final ten minutes of the first half.
But Slavia Prague weren't finished, and they struck again just eight minutes later, with Fermín once again the scorer. This time, it was a close-range finish following some intricate build-up play, and the young forward had now put Barcelona ahead 2-1.
Just when it seemed Barcelona had taken control, disaster struck for Hansi Flick's side. Almost immediately after taking the lead, Slavia managed to draw level once more, this time courtesy of another set piece. A corner was swung into the box, and despite efforts to clear it, the ball found its way off Robert Lewandowski and into the back of the net, sealing a 2-2 scoreline at halftime.
Fermín Steals the Show with a Doublé
Fermín was the standout performer in the first half, scoring both of Barcelona's goals in what was a masterclass in efficiency. The 21-year-old forward has been a revelation since joining the club, and his performance in Prague only solidified his growing reputation.
Stats reveal that this was the fifth time Fermín has scored two or more goals in all competitions for Barcelona this season, with this being his second such performance in the Champions League, following a hat-trick against Olympiacos earlier in the campaign. Overall, he has now netted ten goals in 24 appearances for the club this season, two more than he managed in his entire first season at the club.
Barcelona's Set Piece Woes Continue
The match also highlighted a persistent issue for Barcelona: their vulnerability from set pieces. The club has conceded eight goals from corner kicks this season across all competitions, just one shy of the total they conceded in the entire previous season. The Lewandowski autogol was the second goal conceded from a set piece in the match, following Kusej's opener.
This continues a trend that has plagued Barcelona for some time, and it remains to be seen whether the coaching staff can find a solution to this problem before it costs them dearly in the Champions League.
What's Next for Barcelona?
With the match ending in a draw, Barcelona's hopes of progressing from the group stage remain firmly intact. They will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches, with the focus on securing a favorable result in their next Champions League fixture.
Meanwhile, Slavia Prague will be pleased with their performance, having given Barcelona a tough time away from home. They too will be looking ahead to their next match, with the aim of building on this impressive result.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Encounter Filled with Drama
Overall, the match between Barcelona and Slavia Prague was a thrilling encounter filled with drama and excitement. Both teams gave their all, and in the end, it was a draw that did justice to the quality on display. As the Champions League season progresses, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this exciting tournament.
