Barcelona Set to Face Slavia Prague Without Star Yamal in Crucial European Showdown
The Champions League returns as Barcelona head eastward to take on Slavia Prague this Wednesday evening, knowing that anything short of three points would deal a major setback to their European aspirations.
Losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, combined with a turbulent stalemate against Club Brugge, have left Barcelona positioned outside the top eight in the league phase table. With just two matches remaining, Hansi Flick's squad requires back-to-back wins to maintain any realistic chance of securing automatic qualification to the round of 16.
While Barcelona have displayed marked improvement throughout the last two months, they're coming into this fixture following their first setback since November—a disappointing defeat to Real Sociedad over the weekend. Adding to the challenge, Lamine Yamal will be absent due to yellow card suspension and Ferran Torres remains sidelined with injury.
Nevertheless, facing one of the competition's weakest performers in Slavia Prague, Barcelona cannot afford any missteps despite these key absences.
Here's the potential Barcelona starting eleven for Wednesday evening's clash against Slavia Prague.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Slavia Prague (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Slavia Prague (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—The summer acquisition showed unusual uncertainty in Sunday's loss and will be looking to bounce back in what would be his fourth Champions League appearance.
RB: Jules Koundé—Facing criticism for his questionable defensive display against Real Sociedad, Koundé needs to step up quickly or risk losing his starting position.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The young defender has experienced a challenging campaign, but he'll seek to rediscover his early-season form in this final match before turning 19.
CB: Eric García—Flick continues to favor the Cubarsí-García partnership at center-back despite growing concerns about their lack of pace and physical presence. Another weak defensive showing on Wednesday might convince the German coach to abandon this combination permanently.
LB: João Cancelo—With Alejandro Balde struggling recently, winter acquisition Cancelo might earn his first start under Flick, potentially relegating the La Masia graduate to the substitutes' bench.
DM: Frenkie de Jong—The Dutch midfielder has emerged as one of Barcelona's standout performers this year and will retain his role protecting the defense alongside Pedri.
CM: Pedri—Fortunate to escape serious harm from Carlos Soler's aggressive tackle last weekend. Pedri has declared himself fit for selection, and Flick cannot risk benching him for such a crucial encounter.
RW: Roony Bardghji—Filling Lamine Yamal's shoes presents an enormous challenge, but Bardghji continues to impress with each appearance. The promising talent will have another opportunity to showcase his development on Wednesday.
AM: Fermín López—López went without a goal or assist for the first time in 2026 during the Sociedad match and will be eager to add to his five Champions League contributions against Slavia Prague from the attacking midfield role.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian sat out the weekend fixture as a precaution, but with Yamal suspended, his return becomes crucial as he takes on a central role in Barcelona's offensive plans.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—With Ferran Torres expected to be out for approximately 10 days, Lewandowski will enjoy regular starting opportunities—something rare this season—as he attempts to recapture his best form in what might be his farewell campaign at Barcelona.
