Barcelona vs Copenhagen

The Spotify Camp Nou takes center stage tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, for the final matchday of the Champions League league phase. Barcelona hosts FC Copenhagen with everything on the line. Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 21:00 local).

Hansi Flick’s side enters the night in 9th place (13 points), sitting just outside the top eight on goal difference. A high-scoring victory tonight is essential to leapfrog the likes of Chelsea or Newcastle and secure a direct ticket to the Round of 16. Copenhagen, currently in 26th place (8 points), is fighting for survival; a win or potentially a draw could be enough to sneak into the top 24 for a play-off spot.

Match Information

Barcelona: Chasing the Top Eight

Barcelona is coming off a productive week, having defeated Slavia Prague 4–2 to keep their top-eight hopes alive. However, defensive frailties remain a concern for Flick, as Barça has conceded 13 goals in the competition—the most of any team currently in the top twelve. With goal difference likely to be the tiebreaker, expect the Blaugrana to attack relentlessly from the first whistle.

Team News and Selection:

• Midfield Crisis: Frenkie de Jong is suspended after picking up his third booking in Prague. Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen remain out with injuries. 

• The "Rashford" Option: January signing Marcus Rashford is pushing for a start on the left, though Flick may stick with the energetic Fermin Lopez to bolster the midfield.

• Key Returns: Ferran Torres has returned to full training and provides a vital option off the bench. 

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martin, Balde; Casadó, E. García; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowsk 

FC Copenhagen: The Great Escape

Jacob Neestrup’s side was "dead and buried" after four games with only one point, but a remarkable turnaround—including a gutsy 1–1 draw with Napoli—has given them a fighting chance. They are currently two places outside the play-off spots and will likely set up in a disciplined low block, hoping to frustrate Barcelona and strike on the counter.

Team News and Selection:

• Captain Absent: The Danes are without the experienced Thomas Delaney, who is suspended following a red card against Napoli.

   

   

• Injury News: Magnus Mattsson and Rodrigo Huescas are sidelined with knee injuries.

   

   

• Key Threat: Jordan Larsson (son of Barça legend Henrik Larsson) has been their most clinical European performer this season and will be eager to score at his father’s former home.

• Predicted XI (4-4-2): Kotarski; Meling, Pereira, Suzuki, Lopez; Elyounoussi, Madsen, Clem, Achouri; Cornelius, Larsson.

? The "Top 8" Permutations

Barcelona (13 pts, +5 GD) needs to win and hope for a slip-up from one of the following:

• Chelsea (13 pts, +6 GD) vs. Napoli

   

   

• Newcastle (13 pts, +10 GD) vs. PSV

• Paris Saint-Germain (13 pts, +10 GD) vs. Man City

If all those teams win, Barcelona must beat Copenhagen by a margin of at least 5 goals to potentially overtake Chelsea on goal difference (assuming Chelsea wins by only 1).

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Barcelona will dominate possession (averaging 63% in the UCL) and look to exploit Copenhagen's struggles against wide attacks. The battle between Lamine Yamal and Copenhagen’s Birger Meling will be pivotal. Without De Jong and Pedri, Marc Casadó faces a massive test in maintaining the tempo and preventing Danish counter-attacks led by Andreas Cornelius.

Copenhagen’s lack of match fitness—having been on a winter break since early December with only the Napoli game as competitive practice—is likely to show in the final 30 minutes.

Final Score Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 FC Copenhagen