Slavia Prague 1-2 Barcelona: 3 Reasons why the Blaugrana won | Champions League 2019/20

Barcelona scraped past Slavia Prague in an enthralling encounter in Prague on the 23rd of October. The victory solidified the Blaugrana’s position at the perch of the table whereas the hosts were left stranded at the foot of the group.

The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides looking to impose their identity on the match. However, the home side blinked first, thereby allowing Lionel Messi the chance to open the scoring. The Argentine made no mistake and beat Ondrej Kolar comfortably.

Slavia pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded five minutes after the restart when Jan Boril struck a sumptuous right-footed shot past the Barcelona keeper.

Minutes later though, Peter Olayinka unfortunately put through his own net when Luis Suarez’s snap shot took a massive deflection off the Nigerian’s chest.

Thereafter, Slavia fought tooth and nail to restore parity but their efforts went in vain as the Blaugrana held on for a win.

Here is a look at the three reasons that enabled Barcelona to post a tight victory.

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#3 Slavia Prague the architects of their own defensive downfall

Slavia Prague were guilty of a few slack moments defensively

Slavia Prague came into the game on the back of a couple of encouraging performances against Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. Though they accumulated just a solitary point from the aforementioned contests, they looked extremely bright and capable of holding their own on the continental stage. Thus, several expected them to throw a spanner in Barcelona’s works.

However, they got off to the worst possible start when they allowed Messi to nick the ball in the middle third and create the opening goal. Petr Sevcik was guilty of dwelling on the ball a tad too long, thereby enabling the Barcelona forward to dispossess him and march forward. The Argentine finished off the move with a side-footed finish past the keeper.

In the second half, Prague managed to find an equaliser and had the wind in their sails. Yet, akin to the first goal, they indulged in a hint of lackadaisical defending, in the process, allowing the Blaugrana forwards to get goal-side and score, albeit fortuitously.

For large stretches of the game, the hosts had the visitors on the ropes courtesy an excellent performance. However, elementary errors proved to be their undoing as they contrived to let go off the head of steam they generated, especially after drawing level.

And, as plenty of teams would testify, Barcelona rarely fail to capitalise on such mistakes.

#2 Barcelona slightly more clinical in the attacking third

Barcelona, despite their profligacy, did just enough

The affair at Prague provided plenty of entertainment for the fans as both teams refused to back down, thereby attacking the other at every possible opportunity. Though the visitors went ahead early, the home side responded with plenty of offensive verve, meaning that they carved out quite a few openings.

However, Slavia were unable to apply the finishing touches as their forwards were culpable of missing a couple of gilt-edged opportunities. Moments after conceding the opener, the hosts worked the ball well on the left flank and Boril squared the ball for Jaroslav Zeleny. The Czech Republic international though, spurned the chance as he mustered a tame effort that was saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

In the 36th minute, Lukas Masopust was accorded an equally brilliant opportunity. Akin to his teammate though, he also managed a rather wretched attempt at goal, an effort that ter Stegen gobbled up easily.

To put things into further perspective, Slavia managed 24 shots on goal but only managed to breach the Barcelona rear-guard once.

Though Barcelona also missed a host of chances, they did just enough to emerge from a tense and titanic encounter unscathed. Messi popped up with a clinical finish in the first half while Suarez displayed exemplary awareness to pounce on a loose ball for the winner.

Thus, despite playing an effervescent brand of football throughout the game, Slavia came unstuck. And, though they deserved a touch more from the match, they probably have only themselves to blame.

#1 Lionel Messi the point of difference, yet again

Messi popped up with a goal and an assist

Barcelona started the 2019-20 season in extremely patchy fashion. The Blaugrana failed to win their opening four away fixtures and looked a calamitous on their away trips. However, recently, they’ve found their groove, meaning that they’ve reclaimed top spot in the La Liga. And, unsurprisingly, that run of positive results has dovetailed with the return of a certain Lionel Messi.

The Argentine missed a major chunk of the early exchanges and that contributed to Barcelona’s attack looking quite toothless, especially on the road. Yet, he has managed to cure that ailment almost single-handedly by providing creativity and thrust in attacking positions. And, that aspect again came to the fore in Prague on Wednesday.

Messi looked a bundle of energy from the outset and was at the heart of everything good the visitors did offensively. He pinched the ball in midfield before laying it on for Arthur. The Brazilian then returned the favour as the Argentine made the net ripple in the 3rd minute.

Thereafter, he helped carved numerous chances for his team-mates including the second goal. The forward whipped in a delicious free-kick from the left channel and it evaded the Slavia defenders as it found its way to Suarez. The striker’s shot took a massive deflection and allowed Barcelona to regain their lead.

Even though Messi was guilty of a few slack moments, namely a dreadful miss from a Jordi Alba cross and a misplaced pass in stoppage time, he still did enough to ensure his side came away with three points.

Over the years, not many players have been as influential for their sides as Messi. Yet, somehow, with each passing season, he has been able to highlight his importance even more.

And, perhaps, Barcelona might do well to wrap him up in cotton wool for the rest of the term.