Did Barca Triumph in Prague to Ignite Last Group Games in Champions League?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona remains in contention for a top-eight finish in the Champions League.
- Fermin Lopez's performance was crucial in the victory.
- Injuries can impact team performance, as seen with Pedri.
- Several teams are vying for playoff spots, making the final round intense.
- This match highlighted the unpredictability of European football.
Madrid, Jan 22 (NationPress) FC Barcelona secured a thrilling 4-2 victory against Slavia Prague on Wednesday, keeping their ambitions alive for a top-eight finish in the Champions League ahead of the final matchday next week.
Barcelona is among eight teams with 13 points, ranging from sixth-placed Paris Saint-Germain to 13th-placed Atalanta, setting the stage for an intense final round next Wednesday.
The match kicked off with Slavia taking the lead in the 10th minute thanks to Vasil Kusej's close-range effort.
Fermin Lopez netted twice in the 34th and 42nd minutes, giving Barcelona a 2-1 lead, but Robert Lewandowski scored an own goal just two minutes later, leveling the score at 2-2 by halftime, as reported by Xinhua.
In the second half, Barcelona regained control with goals from Dani Olmo and Lewandowski, ensuring the win. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to Pedri, who exited with a hamstring issue.
In other fixtures, Dominik Szoboszlai's free kick put Liverpool ahead against Olympique de Marseille just before halftime, followed by an own goal from Marseille's goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, which increased Liverpool's lead. Cody Gakpo capped the match with a third goal in stoppage time.
Atalanta was initially ahead against Athletic Bilbao due to Gianluca Scamacca's header in the 16th minute, only for Gorka Guruzeta to equalize in the 58th minute. Nico Serrano scored again for Atalanta in the 70th, and Robert Navarro added a third in the 74th, while Nikola Krstovic managed to pull one back in the 88th minute, but Athletic held on for a 3-2 victory.
Juventus triumphed over Benfica with a 2-0 home win, leaving Benfica with a must-win situation against Real Madrid next week to maintain their playoff hopes.
Newcastle United advanced towards a top-eight finish with a 3-0 home victory over PSV Eindhoven, where Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon established a 2-0 lead by halftime, followed by a third goal from Harvey Barnes.
Chelsea concluded the round in eighth place after Moises Caicedo scored the match's only goal in a 1-0 home victory against Pafos.
Atletico Madrid has tasks ahead after a 1-1 draw against Galatasaray, while Qarabag staged a comeback to defeat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 at home.