Barcelona moved into a strong position for Champions League qualification with a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague, climbing from 15th to ninth in the group standings. Robert Lewandowski scored at both ends,
while Fermin Lopez struck twice. Dani Olmo also found the net as Hansi Flick's side set up a decisive final league-stage game against Copenhagen at home next week.
The match swung several times, with Slavia Prague taking the lead, Barcelona turning the score around, then losing their advantage before half-time. The contest stayed open into the second half until Olmo and Lewandowski finally settled the result. Barcelona created the better chances overall, yet Slavia Prague remained competitive throughout the night.
Lopez endured a difficult start, missing a clear chance before Slavia Prague struck first. Vasil Kusej bundled the ball home in the 10th minute after Barcelona failed to deal with pressure in their own area. That setback forced Flick's team to respond quickly and increased the tension inside the stadium.
Lopez answered that challenge in style, scoring twice in eight minutes to flip the scoreline. The first goal came at the near post, finishing a precise pass from Frenkie de Jong. Soon after, Lopez collected the ball on the edge of the box, with Slavia Prague backing off, and curled a fine effort beyond the goalkeeper.
Barcelona could not carry that momentum into the break, as Slavia Prague levelled before half-time. Stepan Chaloupek glanced on a corner, and the ball struck Lewandowski before crossing the line. It was Lewandowski's first Champions League own goal, and it left Barcelona frustrated after appearing to take control.
Early in the second half, Barcelona thought De Jong had restored their advantage, only for the assistant to raise the flag. Lewandowski was judged offside in the build-up and the effort was ruled out. The decision delayed Barcelona's third goal but did not change their approach, as Flick's players kept attacking.
The breakthrough finally arrived from the bench when Pedri went off injured and Olmo entered. Less than three minutes after coming on, Olmo cut inside and whipped a precise strike into the top-right corner. That goal gave Barcelona a 3-2 lead and shifted the momentum firmly back towards the home side.
Barcelona extended the advantage in the 70th minute to remove most of the late tension. Marcus Rashford, operating from wide, delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. Lewandowski arrived on time and finished from close range, giving Barcelona a two-goal cushion and securing Lewandowski's place on both ends of the scoresheet.
7 - Fermn Lpez has been involved in 7 goals in 6 matches in the 2025/26 Champions League (5G and 2A); he is the second Spanish player to record 7 G+A in his first 6 matches in a season of the competition with Barcelona, after Luis Enrique in 1999/20 (also 7). Key. pic.twitter.com/AP60i7KKlEOptaJose (@OptaJose) January 21, 2026
Champions League numbers highlight Lewandowski and Barcelona vs Slavia Prague
Lewandowski's late strike ended a long scoreless run in this Champions League campaign. That goal came in Lewandowski's sixth appearance of the 2025-26 edition and was the forward's first of the season in the competition. At 37 years and 153 days, Lewandowski became the second-oldest scorer for a Spanish club in Champions League history.
The only older scorer for a Spanish side remains Sergio Ramos, who netted for Sevilla at 37 years and 257 days in December 2023. Lewandowski has now scored 106 Champions League goals overall. This was Lewandowski's first goal against Slavia Prague, and the Poland international has now found the net against 39 of 49 different opponents in the tournament.
That record moves Lewandowski past Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored against 38 of 52 Champions League opponents. Only Lionel Messi has scored against more different teams, netting against 40 of 44. Lewandowski became the 17th player to score for both sides in a Champions League match and the first to do so while playing for Barcelona.
The previous player to score at both ends in the competition was Sebastien Haller, who achieved that for Ajax against Benfica in 2022. Lewandowski also led the way in expected goals on the night with an xG value of 0.59. Overall, Barcelona edged the xG contest by 1.42 to 1.01, underlining the home side's slight attacking advantage.
Barcelona now approach the final league-stage fixture against Copenhagen with renewed confidence and clearer aims. The win over Slavia Prague lifted the team in the standings and ensured automatic qualification remains possible. With Lopez in strong form and Lewandowski back among the goals, Flick's side stay firmly in contention for a place in the last 16.
