In their first meeting in 24 years, Barcelona secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, condemning the hosts to their fifth defeat in six LaLiga games. The highly anticipated match saw the LaLiga champions overcome a shocking deficit and a spirited performance from a resilient Oviedo side.
Oviedo’s Shock Lead and Barca’s Early Struggles
Given the long gap between fixtures, the opening minutes saw the unfancied hosts, fueled by the home support, harry and compete for every ball while Barcelona predictably monopolized possession. Four early corners for Oviedo had the crowd roaring, but the champions’ speed on the break was a constant menace.
Barça’s attack, though looking dangerous, was surprisingly sloppy in its passing. Oviedo keeper Aaron Escandell was a busy man, forced to make brilliant saves against fierce efforts from Marcus Rashford, including a wicked curling shot.
Against the run of play, just after the half-hour mark, Oviedo delivered a stunning blow. Capitalizing on a huge error by Barca keeper Joan Garcia, who was caught 40 yards out of his goal, Alberto Reina launched a magnificent looping effort into the net. The spectacular strike put Oviedo 1-0 up and marked only their second goal in six games.
Second Half Onslaught and Lewandowski’s Decisive Goal
The second half began with the hosts again surprisingly making the running, with Haissem Hassan forcing a good save from Garcia. Oviedo was first to every ball and stronger in the challenge, momentarily frustrating the Catalan giants.
The breakthrough for Barcelona came in the 55th minute from an unusual source. In a moment of defensive confusion, center-back Ronald Araujo popped up on the left wing, and his instigation led to right-back Eric Garcia prodding home the crucial equalizer at the far post.
That goal finally sparked Barcelona into life, and the ensuing onslaught tested Oviedo’s resolve. The hosts held firm for another 15 minutes until the 70th minute when substitute Robert Lewandowski powerfully headed home a magnificent goal to put Barça ahead, 2-1.
With Oviedo forced to chase the game, spaces opened up for the visitors. Despite a return of sloppiness in Barcelona’s late-game play, which gave Oviedo a few unexpected opportunities, Hansi Flick’s side managed to see out the match.
The win was sealed with just two minutes remaining when Ronald Araujo rose high to power home a towering header, making the final score 3-1. This victory marks Barcelona’s seventh straight win in LaLiga games held on a Thursday and brings their goal tally in their last three league matches to an impressive dozen scored (with just one conceded).
