Preview, form, team news and live broadcast details for Wednesday’s clash in Prague
FC Barcelona travel to the Sinobo Stadium to face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in a match that could prove decisive in the group stage. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 3:00pm ET, with both teams eager to secure maximum points as they aim to advance to the knockout rounds.
Barcelona arrive off the back of a first defeat in 12 games in all competitions, while Slavia Prague will be determined to cause an upset on home soil in front of passionate support. This fixture promises tactical intrigue as Barcelona look to control possession and Slavia seek to disrupt their rhythm with intensity and organisation.
How the teams go into the game: form
Slavia Prague form
Slavia Prague’s recent form is not so recent, given that the Chance Liga has not yet restarted from a winter break domestically. Slavia’s last official match was a 4-3 home win over Jablonec on December 12, while their last Champions League match was a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham in London on December 9.
Slavia are flying high in the Czech league, with 16 wins and 3 draws from their opening 19 matches which sees them seven points clear of city rivals Sparta Prague at the top of the table.
In the Champions League, Slavia are languishing in 33rd place out of the 36-team league phase, on just three points. For them to have any hope of making the playoff round, a need is of the utmost importance despite its unlikelihood.
Barcelona form
Barcelona started the year in flying form, winning the Supercopa de España final against Real Madrid, and amassing an 11-match winning streak in all competitions. However, that run was ended in their most recent match away at Real Sociedad where the Basques won 2-1 in a frustrating evening for Hansi Flick‘s side.
In Europe, Barcelona sit just four points above the elimination zone, but also just two behind the automatic qualification sports. That’s why tonight’s game is seen as a must-win for the Catalans.
Slavia Prague vs FC Barcelona: head-to-head
Barcelona and Slavia Prague met in the group stage of the 2019/2020 edition of the Champions League. The Czechs earned a surprise 0-0 draw away at Camp Nou, in a Barça side that featured the likes of Leo Messi, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann.
In Prague, Barça managed a hard-fought 1-2 away win.
We’re back! 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/CA3nTtLdSx
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 19, 2026
Slavia Prague vs FC Barcelona: team news
Slavia Prague’s squad is operating without a couple of long-term absentees, but otherwise the hosts are in a fairly healthy position for Wednesday’s Champions League clash. Matous Srb and Dominik Javorcek remain sidelined with lengthy injury issues, meaning they are unavailable for selection. Despite those losses, Slavia can still call on key contributors such as Lukas Provod and Mojmir Chytil, both of whom are expected to start and provide attacking impetus in a 4-5-1 or similar formation.
Lamine Yamal is suspended after picking up a booking milestone in the last Champions League game and will miss this fixture. Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain sidelined with knee injuries, ruling them out of selection. On a positive note, Raphinha trained with the group on Monday and could make a return after missing the recent LaLiga defeat to Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres has been ruled out with a muscular injury and will be unavailable. These attacking doubts and absences open the door to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji and Robert Lewandowski to get minutes from the start.
Slavia Prague vs FC Barcelona: Predicted line-ups
Slavia Prague predicted XI: Stanek, Holes, Ogbu, Chaloupek, Zima, Moses, Doudera, Provod, Sadilek, Sanyang, Chytil
Barcelona predicted XI:
Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Cancelo; De Jong; Fermin, Pedri, Roony, Rashford, Robert Lewandowski
INJURY UPDATE ‼️
Raphinha has been given the medical all-clear, while Ferran Torres has suffered an injury to the semimembranosus muscle in his right leg and will be unavailable, with an estimated recovery time of around ten days. pic.twitter.com/Gt90QeDONR
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2026
Slavia Prague vs FC Barcelona: When and where to watch on TV
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2 and available to stream via the BT Sport app, with coverage beginning ahead of the 20:00 GMT kick-off.
In the United States, fans can watch the game live on Paramount+, with streaming coverage starting before the 3:00pm ET kick-off. Check local listings for regional availability.
With Barcelona seeking to assert themselves in European competition and Slavia Prague determined to defend home advantage, Wednesday’s Champions League encounter promises tactical battles, elite attacking talent and high stakes as both sides eye progress to the knockout stages.