Lewandowski and Araujo headers seal dramatic turnaround after goalkeeper error gives underdogs early lead
Oviedo, Spain – What looked like it might be an embarrassing evening for Barcelona turned into another statement win. The Catalans clawed back from a goal down to beat Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday, though they probably should thank their lucky stars that Joan Garcia’s howler didn’t cost them more dearly.
How It All Unfolded: From Nightmare to Relief
You had to feel for Joan Garcia. The goalkeeper’s 33rd-minute brain fade was the kind of mistake that haunts players for years. Charging out of his area like a man possessed, he intercepted the ball cleanly enough, then inexplicably passed it straight to Alberto Reina. From 40 yards out, Reina couldn’t believe his luck as he rolled the ball into an empty net.
The equalizer came early in the second half, and it was Eric Garcia who got Barcelona level. Aaron Escandell had done brilliantly to save Ferran Torres’ shot, but Garcia was there to clean up the rebound after Ronald Araujo’s cross caused chaos in the box.
Then came the moment that may well have sealed the points. Robert Lewandowski, fresh off the bench, met Frenkie de Jong’s cross with what can only be described as a vintage header. The ball cannoned off the underside of the bar before nestling in the net, the kind of finish that separates good strikers from great ones.
Araujo wrapped things up with two minutes to go, though by then Oviedo appeared to be running on fumes.
Where This Leaves the Title Race
Barcelona’s win keeps them within touching distance of Real Madrid, but let’s be honest, two points might as well be twenty in a title race this tight. Xabi Alonso’s Madrid machine rolled on with another victory at Levante on Tuesday, and they’re starting to look ominously unstoppable.
What’s perhaps more encouraging for Barcelona is how they’re coping without Lamine Yamal. Four wins on the bounce without their teenage star suggests Hansi Flick might have more tactical flexibility than some critics initially thought. Then again, we’re still early in the season.
Credit Where It’s Due: Oviedo’s Gutsy Display
You have to admire Real Oviedo’s approach here. Back in La Liga for the first time since 2000/01, when most of this Barcelona squad weren’t even born, they didn’t just roll over. Having 40-year-old Santi Cazorla pull the strings in midfield was a nice touch, though you wondered if his legs could last the full 90.
Aaron Escandell in goal was genuinely excellent. The keeper made at least three saves that should probably be on highlight reels, particularly his double stop from Rashford after Raphinha had hit the post. It’s performances like this that might convince bigger clubs to take a look at him.
Compare this to how they fared against Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid back in August, and you get the sense Oviedo are learning fast what it takes to compete at this level.
Flick’s Gamble Pays Off
Marcus Rashford starting on the left was interesting, especially after his disciplinary issues last weekend. The England forward seems to respond well to tough love, his first-half performance was easily his best in a Barcelona shirt so far, even if the goals didn’t come.
Flick’s halftime changes were spot on, though. Bringing on Frenkie de Jong alongside Lewandowski gave Barcelona that extra gear they’d been missing. Sometimes the simplest tactical tweaks are the most effective.
Jules Kounde deserves a mention too for a crucial interception late on. Without that block, we might be talking about a very different result.
What’s Next
Barcelona host Real Sociedad on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium, a fixture that’s rarely straightforward. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Saturday’s Madrid derby when Real visit Atletico.
If Barcelona are serious about this title challenge, they’ll need to keep grinding out results like this one. Pretty or not, three points is three points.
