Barcelona needed to pull out the stops in Oviedo, falling behind to steal a 3-1 victory in an exciting game in the Carlos Tartiere. Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo goals changed the tide of the game that the home team had shocked the opponent with an opener by Reina.
Oviedo Strikes First
The match began with Oviedo in the offensive and harassing Barca without giving it a chance to establish the ball. The strain was rewarded as Joan Garccia, the goalkeeper, ended up committing an expensive error outside of his box. The ball that landed loose landed to Reina who made a brilliant long pass into the net to have the home fans rejoice.
Dressed in their Kobe Bryant themed kit in gold, Barcelona could not find fluidity. Rashford and Raphinha had chances to shoot though Oviedo had a keeper, Escandell, who was up to the occasion. The side of Flick appeared hastened, inaccurate, impatient.
Set-Pieces to the Rescue
As the attack stalled the set piece finally led Barça back. Eric Garcacia came up as high as possible at one end to even the score and calm the nerves of the visitors and turn the tide.
Flick then swung to his bench, introducing Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong to the team to provide energy and control to the team. The transformations were just ideal.
Lewandowski Stages the Comeback.
The cross of De Jong hit the head of Lewandowski, and the Polish striker gave a perfect finish that opened the goal of Barca. His objective provided Barcelona with the confidence that they lacked throughout most of the night.
Sometimes suffering fatigue, but again playing a key role, Pedri made the game slower and controlled the pace in midfield. His connection with De Jong came in handy in the late run of Oviedo.
Araujo Seals It
Before Oviedo could assemble some sort of response, they were countered by another corner kick. Ronald Araujo crossed a header to close the goal, and quieted the crowd, and Oviedo was no longer hoping to make an upset.
The Substitutions Pay Off of Flick.
Injuries also necessitate regular rotation of players, as all LaVine, Gavi, Fermin, and Balde were not available, so coach Hansi Flick had to rearrange his formation. However, his second-half introductions, Lewandowski and De Jong that became the difference.
The quality of Barcelona prevailed in the end although the game might have highlighted their weaknesses in the starting lineup. This victory does not mean that Flick bridges the gap between his team and Real Madrid but it keeps it in the top of the La Liga before upcoming matches with Real Sociedad and PSG.
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