Barcelona Storm into Prague: Can Slavia Spring a Champions League Upset?
Barcelona commence their 2026 Champions League journey with an away fixture against a struggling Slavia Prague team on Wednesday evening, needing to secure maximum points before returning to Catalonia.
A disappointing beginning to their Champions League run means Barcelona cannot afford any more slip-ups. They must win both remaining league phase encounters—alongside favorable results elsewhere—or a top eight placement becomes impossible, forcing the Catalans into the extra playoff stage.
Barcelona will seek redemption after their impressive 11-game winning streak ended over the weekend with a disappointing loss to Real Sociedad. However, Hansi Flick's squad has shown marked improvement since their previous European outing and enters Wednesday as clear favorites for victory.
Slavia Prague ranks among the league phase's poorest performers, occupying 33rd position with three stalemates and three losses, facing potential elimination. Nevertheless, the atmosphere at Fortuna Arena will be electric, and Barcelona must avoid complacency against their opponents.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Champions League encounter.
What Time Does Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
What Time Does Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona Kick Off?
Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record
Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Slavia Prague | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Brann 1–2 Slavia Prague - 16/1/26 | Real Sociedad 2–1 Barcelona - 18/1/26 |
Basel 4–3 Slavia Prague - 6/1/26 | Racing 0–2 Barcelona - 15/1/26 |
Slavia Prague 4–3 Jablonec - 13/12/25 | Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid - 11/1/26 |
Tottenham 3–0 Slavia Prague - 9/12/25 | Barcelona 5–0 Athletic Club - 7/1/26 |
Teplice 1–2 Slavia Prague - 5/12/25 | Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona - 3/1/26 |
How to Watch Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, DAZN USA |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 6, discovery+, discovery+ App |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | FOX One |
Slavia Prague Team News
Slavia Prague Team News
Slavia Prague have been inactive in competitive matches for over a month due to the Czech league's winter suspension caused by harsh weather conditions. However, the team has maintained fitness through exhibition games in preparation for Barcelona's arrival.
Following the extended break, Slavia maintains a largely fit roster except for Dominik Javorček, Filip Horsky and Petr Ševčík, who remain sidelined with ongoing injury concerns.
Tomáš Chorý and Lukáš Provod have excelled in domestic competition, and they'll be eager to exploit Barcelona's vulnerable defense to secure Slavia's first Champions League victory and avoid elimination.
Slavia Prague Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Slavia Prague Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Slavia Prague predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-1-1): Staněk; Holeš, Vlček, Chaloupek, Zima; Douděra, Moses, Sadílek, Sanyang; Provod; Chorý.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will be eager to rebound following weekend disappointment despite delivering a solid overall display. With victory essential, Flick will likely minimize rotation and field his strongest available side.
The defensive line and midfield should stay consistent except for João Cancelo possibly earning his first start since rejoining Barcelona, potentially replacing Alejandro Balde who has failed to impress recently.
Barcelona's main concern is Lamine Yamal's absence through suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Roony Bardghji emerges as the leading candidate for his replacement. Raphinha's availability provides a significant boost after sitting out the previous match as a precautionary measure.
Ferran Torres picked up a minor knock and faces approximately 10 days on the sidelines, opening the door for Robert Lewandowski to start as he seeks his inaugural Champions League strike this season.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Slavia Prague
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Slavia Prague
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Slavia Prague (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Bardghji, López, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Slavia Prague vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Barcelona delivered possibly their finest offensive display this season during Sunday's loss to Real Sociedad, though much credit belonged to Yamal's exceptional showing, making his Wednesday absence particularly significant.
Nevertheless, Raphinha's return brings back Barcelona's most influential performer under Flick's management. The Catalans remain unbeaten this campaign when the Brazilian starts, and his recent form indicates he can compensate for Yamal's missing contribution.
Slavia Prague has struggled throughout their Champions League campaign, and with players potentially lacking match sharpness following the lengthy competitive hiatus, Barcelona should claim all three points comfortably on Wednesday.
Prediction: Slavia Prague 0–2 Barcelona