Olmo and Lewandowski find redemption as Barça cruise past Slavia
Barcelona's attacking stars shone brightly against Slavia Prague, with Fermín López stealing the show with a brilliant brace in the Champions League clash.
Barcelona’s attacking trio put their recent frustrations behind them with a commanding performance against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, showing just how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders.
Fermín steals the spotlight
While the big names delivered, it was young Fermín López who was absolutely immense on the night. The Spanish midfielder bagged himself a proper brace and walked away with the Man of the Match award, continuing his impressive rise in the Barça ranks. The lad’s going from strength to strength, and the Catalan giants must be chuffed to bits with his development.
Redemption for the big guns
Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski both had points to prove:
- Olmo was desperate to find the net after a frustrating outing against Real Sociedad where he couldn’t convert several chances
- Lewandowski needed to break his Champions League duck this season
Both men delivered when it mattered, putting their recent troubles behind them with clinical performances that reminded everyone of their quality. And to think Olmo didn’t even need to break a sweat to make his impact!
Defensive concerns remain
It wasn’t all champagne football for the Blaugrana, mind. The defensive frailties that have plagued them this season reared their ugly head again as they conceded twice from set-pieces. That’s becoming a bit of a broken record for Barça – brilliant going forward but vulnerable at the back.
These defensive lapses might not cost them against the likes of Slavia Prague, but against Europe’s heavyweights, they could find themselves in a right two and eight if they don’t sort it out sharpish.
The bigger picture
Despite the defensive wobbles, this was exactly the kind of confidence-boosting performance Barcelona needed in Europe. With their attacking stars firing and young talents like Fermín continuing to develop, there’s plenty for Culés to be excited about.
If they can just shore up that backline, particularly from set-pieces, this Barcelona side might fancy themselves as dark horses in this season’s Champions League campaign.