Barcelona were made to work far harder than expected on Thursday night, but Hansi Flick’s side showed grit and quality to overturn a one-goal deficit and defeat Real Oviedo 3–1 at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
It was Barça’s first La Liga away game since August, and Flick rotated heavily despite an already long injury list that includes Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Alejandro Balde. Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong, and Robert Lewandowski all began on the bench, giving others a chance to step up.
The opening stages were lively, with both sides creating danger. Marcus Rashford twice forced sharp saves from Aarón Escandell, while Raphinha rattled the post from distance. Just as Barça appeared to be taking control, disaster struck. Goalkeeper Joan García misjudged a clearance, gifting possession to Alberto Reina, who unleashed a stunning first-time strike from near halfway into the empty net to put Oviedo ahead.
Barcelona struggled to find rhythm after the break, with Veljko Paunović’s side looking dangerous on the counter. But the visitors’ persistence finally paid off in the 56th minute. Ferran Torres’ awkward volley deflected onto the post, and Eric García reacted quickest to poke home the equalizer.
Flick turned to his bench, and the changes proved decisive. De Jong, handed freedom to dictate play, whipped in a superb cross that Lewandowski thundered home via the underside of the bar with 20 minutes remaining.
Barcelona’s win keeps them unbeaten in La Liga this season and ensures they stay within striking distance of leaders Real Madrid. Despite initial anxiety and an unwelcoming atmosphere, Flick’s team persisted and managed to grind out three crucial points.
The player of the match was Eric García.
In addition to scoring the crucial equalizer, the defender was a pillar at the back, organizing Oviedo’s attack and establishing the tone for Barcelona’s comeback in the second half.
Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1):
Joan García (6.4); Eric García (8.4), Araújo (8.1), Cubarsí (7.5), Martín (7.4); Casadó (7), Pedri (7.9); Raphinha (7.3), Dani Olmo (7.4), Rashford (8); Ferran Torres (6.9).
Subs: De Jong (8.1), Lewandowski (7.5), Koundé (6.4), Bernal (N/A), Christensen (N/A).
Real Oviedo XI (4-4-2):
Escandell; Ahijado, Bailly, Carmo, Alhassane; Hassan, Dendoncker, Reina, Chaira; Cazorla, Rondón.
Subs: Ilić, Sibo, Brekalo, Forés, Colombatto.
