The contest unfolded in harsh winter conditions, with the thermometer showing minus six degrees as the home side struck first. In ten minutes, a corner was glanced onward by Tomas Holes, allowing Vasil Kusej to force the ball across the line from close range.
That opener briefly lifted the hosts, who required victory to keep their European hopes alive. Barcelona, however, gradually imposed control despite the early blow.
Their equaliser arrived in the 34th minute when Fermin Lopez unleashed a powerful effort that beat Jindrich Stanek at the near post, shifting the momentum of the evening.
Lopez was not finished, adding another eight minutes later by bending a precise attempt beyond the goalkeeper to put the visitors in front.
Goals at both ends before the interval
Slavia Prague refused to fade before the break and found a way back just before halftime. A delivery from the right caused confusion, with Robert Lewandowski unfortunate as the ball deflected off his shoulder and crossed the line.
That own goal levelled the score at 2-2 and kept the match alive heading into the interval, even though the Czech side knew only a win would suffice.
Barcelona were missing suspended youngster Lamine Yamal, yet their attacking depth remained evident as they regrouped during the pause.
The first period ended evenly on the scoreboard, but the balance of play suggested the Spanish champions held the upper hand.
Second-half control and decisive changes
After the restart, Barcelona dictated proceedings and limited the hosts’ chances. The visitors’ pressure eventually told following a double substitution shortly after the hour.
Manager Hansi Flick introduced Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo, a move that quickly paid dividends. Within three minutes, Olmo struck from 18 yards, sending a superb shot into the top corner to reclaim the lead.
The fourth goal followed when Rashford provided the assist, and Lewandowski made amends by hooking the bouncing ball into the net after it rose off his thigh.
That finish ended Slavia Prague’s resistance and confirmed their elimination, leaving them on three points from seven outings.
Barcelona climbed to ninth in the standings and must defeat Copenhagen at home next Wednesday, while relying on other results, to secure a top-eight spot and avoid a February playoff. Fresh from lifting the Spanish Super Cup, they remain first domestically and have also reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, keeping hopes of a quadruple alive.
