Barcelona’s firepower ultimately outweighed their defensive frailties as they claimed a 4–2 victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena on UEFA Champions League matchday seven, extending the Czech side’s poor record against Spanish opposition in major European competition to just one win (D7, L7).

Played in freezing conditions of –6°C, the match sprang into life early on when Tomáš Chorý almost ignited the home crowd, firing narrowly over after an early mistake from Gerard Martín. At the other end, Fermín López also went close, but it was Slavia who struck first. A corner in the 10th minute caused chaos in the Barcelona box, and after Tomáš Holeš flicked the ball on, Vasil Kušej bundled it in at the far post to end Slavia’s five-game Champions League goal drought.

Relentless pressing and energy from the hosts initially frustrated Barcelona, yet the visitors gradually imposed themselves. Their equaliser arrived on 34 minutes via a slick central move, with Frenkie de Jong threading a pass through for Fermín, who guided a composed finish inside the right-hand post.

Fermín doubled his tally — and Barcelona’s lead — eight minutes later, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area that flew beyond the reach of Jindřich Staněk to take his Champions League total to five goals.

However, Barcelona’s defensive issues resurfaced just before half-time. From another Slavia corner, Robert Lewandowski inadvertently headed into his own net, restoring parity and setting the stage for a breathless second half.

Barcelona wasted little time reasserting their intent after the restart. Pedri went close within seconds, Frenkie de Jong had a goal ruled out for offside, and Raphinha squandered a promising opportunity as the visitors pressed for control. Pedri was then forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, prompting Dani Olmo’s introduction just after the hour mark.

Olmo made an instant impact. Staněk first denied Lewandowski with a full-stretch save, before the substitute curled a superb right-footed effort into the top corner just three minutes after coming on. Lewandowski then made amends for his earlier own goal by sealing the win with 20 minutes remaining, steering home Marcus Rashford’s driven cross.

The victory means Barcelona have now won eight of their nine Champions League encounters with Czech opposition (D1) and keeps alive their slim hopes of automatic qualification, with a final league-phase fixture at home to Copenhagen still to come.

Slavia Prague, meanwhile, are left playing only for pride as they head to Cyprus to face Pafos in their final match.