Slavia Prague may be the only Group F team that haven’t previously been crowned European champions, but they have won every competitive home game this season bar their recent 2-0 defeat versus Borussia Dortmund (W8, L1). After leading at half-time in six of those eight home victories, and with an average of 2.15 goals scored per league match this term, home fans will still expect Slavia to compete here.
In fact that Dortmund defeat was only their second home loss across their last nine in the continental competition (W4, D3). Whilst against Spanish opposition, the Czech champions have made themselves a nuisance, going unbeaten in five of their last six such contests (W1, D4, L1).
Despite their European pedigree, Barcelona travels here after winning just four of their last 14 continental away games (D6, L4), but have won their last four fixtures against sides from the Czech Republic. Furthermore, they are currently enjoying a five-game winning run in all competitions – four of which saw Barcelona leading at half-time.
The five-time European champions’ away games have been a little subdued this term though, with only one of six seeing both teams score (W2, D2, L2 – in all competitions), and four ending with under 2.5 goals.
Players to watch: Tomáš Souček netted a second-half brace in Slavia’s last match – he’s been his team’s first goalscorer in four of the five games he’s scored in this season.
Luis Suárez scored a second-half brace in his last CL appearance – five of his seven competitive goals for Barcelona this term have arrived after half-time.
Stat attack: Five of Slavia’s last six European games have finished with under 2.5 goals.
The opener has been scored by the 15th minute in four of Barcelona’s last six matches.
Four of Barcelona’s previous six CL away victories arrived via a single-goal margin.
Will not play
Roberto S.
(Knee Injury)
Umtiti S.
(Knee Injury)
Questionable
Traore I.
(Ankle Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Madden B. (Sco),
Venue: Sinobo Stadium (Prague)
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