Bitter Triumph in Prague: Barcelona Lose Pedri to Muscular Injury

PRAGUE — On a night where FC Barcelona secured a vital 4-2 victory over SK Slavia Prague to keep their hopes of a top-eight Champions League finish alive, the celebration was tempered by a familiar and worrying sight: Pedri limping off the pitch in distress.

The Spanish international, who had provided a crucial assist for Fermín López’s opening goal in the first half, was forced to leave the game in the 58th minute. The injury occurred during a defensive recovery run near the halfway line, with the 23-year-old midfielder immediately clutching the back of his right leg and signaling to the bench.

The Match Context

The encounter at the Fortuna Arena was a high-intensity affair. Hansi Flick's side struggled early on, falling behind to a 10th-minute goal by Vasil Kusej. Despite missing Lamine Yamal due to a yellow card suspension, Barça fought back through a brace from the clinical Fermín López.

However, just as the game reached a fever pitch at 2-2, Pedri pulled up. Initial reports from the medical staff suggest a muscular issue in his right hamstring, though further tests in Barcelona will determine the exact grade of the tear.

Olmo’s Immediate Impact

While Pedri’s exit cast a shadow over the proceedings, his replacement, Dani Olmo, provided the silver lining. Entering the fray in the 61st minute, Olmo scored with his very first touch—a sublime strike into the top corner—to restore Barcelona's lead. Robert Lewandowski later added a fourth to put the result beyond doubt.

Hansi Flick’s Growing Injury List

The loss of Pedri is a significant blow for Hansi Flick, who is already navigating a congested schedule without key players like Ferran Torres. Pedri had only recently been cleared to play after suffering a heavy knock to his ankle in the previous weekend’s defeat to Real Sociedad.

"We are happy with the three points, but we are worried for Pedri," Flick commented in the post-match press conference. "He is the heartbeat of our midfield. We must wait for the doctors, but we hope it is not a long-term absence."

What’s Next for Barça?

Barcelona are scheduled to face Oviedo in La Liga this coming Sunday. With Pedri likely sidelined and Frenkie de Jong also facing a suspension after a late yellow card in Prague, Flick will be forced to lean heavily on Gavi, Fermín, and Dani Olmo to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

The "Prague Curse" continues to haunt the Catalan giants, who, despite leaving with a win, return to Spain with more questions than answers regarding the fitness of their most creative spark.