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Analysis of the match between SK Slavia Praha and Barcelona
Slavia Praha head into this match with a serious lack of competitive match rhythm. For more than a month, the Czech side have not taken part in any official competitions, playing only three friendly matches against Basel, Karlsruher and Brann to maintain match fitness. The lack of competitive intensity, combined with their lowly position of 33rd out of 36 in the Champions League league phase standings, makes it difficult for Slavia Praha to approach this game against Barcelona with confidence.
After six matches in this season’s Champions League, Slavia Praha have scored just two goals – the worst attacking record in the competition. Moreover, history is not on the hosts’ side. In 15 previous encounters with Spanish clubs in European competitions, Slavia Praha have managed only two wins, six draws and seven defeats. Notably, they lost 1-2 at home to Barcelona in the group stage of the 2009/10 Champions League.
On the other hand, Barcelona under head coach Hansi Flick are currently ranked 15th, but are only two draws away in points from the top eight. Beyond their superior reputation and squad quality, the Catalan giants are also backed by history, having won seven of their eight previous meetings with Czech opponents.
Against a Slavia Praha side considered inferior in both form and quality, Barcelona clearly hold a significant advantage. The real question is not whether Barça will take all three points, but rather by what margin they will win.
