“Champions League drama!”: FC Barcelona win crucial game at Prague but suffer a huge loss

FC Barcelona survive a huge scare to keep top eight hopes alive. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, Licence Details)

FC Barcelona made a remarkable comeback to beat Slavia Prague 4-2 in a must-win game in the context of finishing in the top eight in the league round. Fermin Lopez bagged a sensational brace, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski sealed a remarkable win for the Catalans.

It was a nightmare start for the visitors when the home side struck first inside the opening ten minutes from a set piece. Barça struggled initially without Lamine Yamal on the right flank, but Fermin Lopez’s thunderbolt strike levelled the score. 

Lopez added another sensational goal after just eight minutes, but Barcelona's defending during set pieces got exposed again just before half-time. Hansi Flick's side was handed a big blow when Pedri got injured.

Dani Olmo replaced his compatriot and made an instant impact, restoring Barça’s lead. Another brilliant substitute, Marcus Rashford, also instantly made an impact by setting up Robert Lewandowski for the fourth goal, sealing all three points for the five-times Champions League winners.

FC Barcelona’s midfield maestro set to miss a month due to injury 

FC Barcelona's heart of midfield, Pedri, has been sidelined for a month after suffering from a hamstring injury in the last game against Slavia Prague. The Spaniard had to be taken off in the second half, as he looked in serious pain.

Pedri is set to miss Barça’s final UCL league stage clash against Copenhagen and La Liga games against Real Oviedo, Elche, Mallorca and the derby against Girona.

He would also miss out on the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final if Barça advances to the next stage. 

"Tests taken this morning have confirmed that first-team player Pedri has a muscular injury in his right hamstring," said Barca in an official statement. (sic)

It further added, "The recovery time will be one month.” (sic)

It is set to be a huge challenge for Hansi Flick, as we have seen how much Barcelona struggles without Pedri in the heart of midfield. With the title race getting intense every passing matchday, it will be a huge loss for Barcelona.