Three talking points as Barcelona beat Slavia Praha 4-2 in the Champions League | OneFootball

It does feel like FC Barcelona make life difficult for themselves at times, and that is exactly what they did against Slavia Praha last night, conceding two cheap set-piece goals and allowing the home team hope in the first half.

However, Barcelona secured a 4-2 win thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and a brace from Fermin Lopez. The second half brought a much better performance from Hansi Flick’s men.

As a consequence, Barcelona find themselves just outside the top eight, with a good chance of entering it if they put in a strong display against Copenhagen next Wednesday at the Spotify Camp Nou.

With all this in mind, here are three talking points from Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Slavia Praha in the Champions League.

1: A win that does not quite feel like one

Yes, it was an important win despite a less-than-desirable performance, but there is one reason why it does not truly feel like one. Around the hour mark, Pedri went to the ground clutching his hamstring and had to be taken off. While it worked out on the night, with Olmo coming on to score, the absence of the Canary Islander is going to hurt Barcelona.

By initial impressions, it feels like Pedri will be out for a few weeks, if not longer. He is the fulcrum around which the team operates and, in his absence, Flick will have to find someone who can come close to the same impact.

Had Barcelona emerged unscathed from Czechia, they would have felt far better about the win. That is not the case, and fans now await positive news on the Spaniard.

2: Frenkie’s incredible display

Frenkie de Jong against Slavia Praha was different gravy. From minute one to minute ninety, he ran the show. With Pedri off colour, the Dutchman had to step up, and he did.

He progressed the game through ball carrying, inventive passing, and the right choices at every juncture. Defensively, he was immense, making blocks and clearances for fun.

For weeks now, Frenkie has been operating at a level that puts him among the best midfielders in the world. He is captaining the side beautifully and becoming the player fans always hoped he would be.

With Pedri injured, Frenkie needs to shoulder even more in the coming weeks. He must carry the midfield as he did against Slavia, and let us hope he gets the support to do so.

3: Eric is Barcelona and Spain’s best central defender this season

Spain still do not know their first-choice central defensive partnership for the upcoming World Cup, with several players out of form, including Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, and Robin Le Normand. The one in top form is not even in contention.

Eric has been one of Flick’s first names on the team sheet this season, and with good reason. He has emerged as a solid central defender who almost always makes the right decision, and he was the only one to come out with his head held high against Slavia Praha.

In a back line featuring an out-of-form Kounde and Balde, and Gerard Martin, who looked out of his depth, Eric was sharp defensively and adventurous going forward. He marshalled the line well and showed leadership.

Eric’s transformation has been impressive, and he now looks ready to start for Spain. It remains to be seen whether Luis de la Fuente sees it the same way or sticks with his allegiances in the coming days.