In Thursday night’s La Liga match at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Barcelona demonstrated their resilience and dominance by overcoming a first-half deficit to secure a convincing 3–1 victory against Real Oviedo. The outcome not only prolonged the Catalan giants’ unbeaten run in the 2025/26 season, but also highlighted their increasing capacity to bounce back from difficulties under new manager Hansi Flick. Oviedo’s evening began with promise but culminated in frustration, as their spirited first-half performance was overshadowed by Barcelona’s superior quality in the second period.
Despite having the majority of possession, Barcelona appeared susceptible to Oviedo’s counterattacks. It was the home team that scored first, much to the joy of their fans. In the 33rd minute, disaster struck as goalkeeper Joan García, filling in for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, made a reckless pass that went straight into danger. Alberto Reina of Oviedo made a calm interception and scored, giving the underdogs a 1–0 lead and sending the stadium into a frenzy.
The goal highlighted Barcelona’s recurring issue this season occasional lapses in concentration at the back. Flick, however, remained composed on the touchline, urging his players to maintain their rhythm. Oviedo, buoyed by their lead, pressed aggressively for the remainder of the first half, though they rarely carved out clear chances beyond their opener. Barcelona, for their part, struggled to translate possession into meaningful attempts, with Robert Lewandowski initially rested on the bench and the frontline lacking a decisive edge.
The second half, however, brought a complete transformation. Barcelona returned with renewed intensity, and their equaliser arrived in the 56th minute. A scramble inside the penalty area following a corner kick allowed Eric García, the centre-back, to pounce on a loose ball and fire it into the net. The goal broke Oviedo’s resistance and restored belief in the Barcelona camp. From that moment, the visitors seized full control of proceedings.
Flick brought on Lewandowski, acknowledging the necessity for more incisive offensive action, and the seasoned forward showed yet again why he is a vital part of this Barcelona team. Lewandowski, 14 minutes after being introduced, perfectly timed his run to meet a precise cross from Frenkie de Jong, directing a powerful header past the Oviedo goalkeeper in the 70th minutes. The effect of the Polish striker was instantaneous; he not only put Barcelona ahead but also raised the team’s overall confidence level. His on-field presence and expertise rattled Oviedo’s defense, which had until that point held up valiantly.
Barcelona refused to let their grip slip and continued pressing forward in search of a third goal to kill off the contest. Their persistence paid dividends in the 88th minute when Ronald Araujo rose highest to connect with a well-delivered corner, thumping home a header that sealed the match at 3–1. The Uruguayan defender’s strike capped off a dominant second-half performance that showcased both Barcelona’s depth of talent and their mental fortitude.
Following the match, Hansi Flick commended his team’s reaction to difficult situations. He defended Joan García’s expensive mistake in the first half, stressing that errors are part of the game and praising the young goalkeeper for maintaining his confidence despite it. The German manager underscored the effect of substitutions, especially Lewandowski’s crucial appearance, and emphasized the necessity of seasoned leaders rising to the occasion in difficult times.
The victory carried significant implications for Barcelona’s league campaign. With 16 points from six matches, they remain unbeaten and sit second in the standings, trailing only Real Madrid, who top the table by two points. The result also sends a strong signal ahead of upcoming fixtures, including high-profile encounters where their resilience will once again be tested. For Oviedo, however, the loss compounds a difficult start to the season. With only three points collected so far, they remain perilously close to the relegation zone, and manager Luis Carrión will be tasked with lifting his squad’s morale quickly.
As the La Liga campaign progresses, matches like these will be remembered as defining moments where Barcelona showed not just flair but also grit. Overcoming early mistakes, relying on experienced figures, and finishing strongly on the road all point to a side determined to reclaim domestic glory. With Real Madrid still narrowly ahead, the race at the top remains tight, and Barcelona’s resilience in Oviedo may prove to be a crucial stepping stone in what promises to be a thrilling title chase.
