Barcelona Produce Dramatic Comeback Against Real Oviedo

Barcelona remain unbeaten in La Liga, securing a 3-1 comeback victory at Real Oviedo after trailing early on.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Oviedo surprised Barcelona with a long-range goal from Alberto Reina. Barcelona struggled to create chances in the first half. Eric Garcia equalized with a close-range goal early in the second half. Coach Hansi Flick then brought on Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski. De Jong assisted Lewandowski, who headed in the second goal. Ronald Araujo added a late third to secure the win. Oviedo stay in 18th place, having lost five of six games and earning only three points; they are currently positioned at the bottom of the La Liga table.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona are just two points behind league leaders Real Madrid. The win keeps Barcelona in second place as they try to keep pace with Madrid’s strong start. Barcelona aims to close the two-point gap with leaders Real Madrid, and their performance demonstrated that their forwards and midfielders are settling into a rhythm early in the season. Eric Garcia, Lewandowski, De Jong, and Araujo were all influential, but Lewandowski’s impact off the bench made the difference, scoring the game-winning goal.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona’s next match is against Real Sociedad, who sit 2 places ahead of Oviedo in 16th place with 5 points won so far and are only two points above the relegation zone. Barcelona will aim to extend their unbeaten run and stay close to Real Madrid. With Madrid two points ahead, every match is crucial. Real Madrid’s next fixture is against city rivals Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona aim to close the gap as they face Real Sociedad, so Barcelona have a chance to close the gap if rivals drop points. For Oviedo, they face Valencia, a team in the top half of the table, as they fight to climb out of danger.