Hansi Flick chuffed with Barcelona's hard-fought UCL win over Slavia Prague

The contest began badly for the five-time European champions. Slavia, who needed a victory to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, struck in the 10th minute when Tomas Holes flicked on a corner and Vasil Kusej bundled the ball over the line from close range to make it 1-0.

Barcelona, missing suspended winger Lamine Yamal, gradually found their rhythm and were level in the 34th minute.

Lopez fired a fierce effort past goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek at the near post before adding his second just eight minutes later, curling home to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.

However, the hosts responded just before half-time when a right-wing corner bounced off Robert Lewandowski's shoulder and into his own net to make it 2-2.

Hansi Flick's side dominated the second half and the turning point came shortly after the hour mark when Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo were introduced.

Olmo made an immediate impact, restoring Barcelona's lead three minutes later with a superb 18-yard strike into the top corner.

Rashford then provided the assist for Lewandowski, who hooked the ball in after it bounced up off his thigh to seal the win.

The result boosts Barcelona's chances of qualifying directly for the last 16. They sit ninth in the Champions League table and must beat Copenhagen at home next Wednesday, while also relying on favourable results elsewhere to finish in the top eight and avoid a February play-off.

"It wasn't easy to play today. It was very cold and Slavia played very well," said Flick.

"They're a very physical team, with dangerous transitions and balls. We were especially better in the second half." 

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