Lewandowski Sparks Spectacular Barcelona Fightback to Crush Real Oviedo 3-1: Player Ratings
In a contest that proved more challenging than anticipated, Barcelona successfully came from behind to secure a 3–1 victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday evening.
Making their first away appearance in La Liga since August, Barcelona aimed to maintain their perfect record in the 2024–25 campaign. Despite dealing with several key injuries affecting players like Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Alejandro Balde, Hansi Flick chose to continue his rotation policy, giving rest to Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski.
The opening thirty minutes saw both sides exchange attacks in an exciting display. Marcus Rashford was denied twice by excellent stops from Aarón Escandell, while Raphinha's long-range effort crashed against the woodwork.
Just as Barcelona appeared to be gaining momentum, Real Oviedo struck first. A disastrous error from Joan García, who left his line attempting to clear the ball, led to a misplaced pass to Marc Casadó that fell kindly to Alberto Reina, who confidently struck from near the center circle into the vacant net.
Flick's squad emerged from the break requiring a response, but struggled for rhythm early on while the home team remained threatening on the counter-attack.
Everything shifted in the 56th minute when Ferran Torres met a delivery from Ronald Araújo, striking an awkward volley after spinning around. The deflected effort hit the upright, but Eric García reacted quickest to slot home Barcelona's leveler ahead of Escandell.
De Jong and Lewandowski were eventually introduced and proved decisive. The Dutch midfielder delivered an inch-perfect cross for his fellow substitute to powerfully head home off the crossbar, putting Barcelona ahead with twenty minutes remaining.
Veljko Paunović's team made changes seeking an equalizer. The determined hosts created chances to draw level but lacked precision in crucial moments.
With the Estadio Carlos Tartiere urging the home side forward in the closing stages, Barcelona maintained their composure to claim victory, sealing the result through Araújo's 88th-minute strike that put the match beyond doubt.
Following a difficult opening hour, Flick's players demonstrated their resilience to prevent any shock result and maintain pace with league-leading Real Madrid.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs. Real Oviedo (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Joan García | 6.4 |
RB: Eric García | 8.4 |
CB: Ronald Araújo | 8.1 |
CB: Pau Cubarsí | 7.5 |
LB: Gerard Martín | 7.4 |
CM: Marc Casadó | 7 |
CM: Pedri | 7.9 |
RW: Raphinha | 7.3 |
AM: Dani Olmo | 7.4 |
LW: Marcus Rashford | 8 |
ST: Ferran Torres | 6.9 |
SUB: Frenkie de Jong (46' for Casadó) | 8.1 |
SUB: Robert Lewandowski (66' for Raphinha) | 7.5 |
SUB: Jules Koundé (73' for Martín) | 6.4 |
SUB: Marc Bernal (90' for Pedri) | N/A |
SUB: Andreas Christensen (90' for Rashford) | N/A |
Subs not used: Eder Aller (GK), Wojciech Szczęsny (GK), Jofre Torrents, Dro Fernández, Antonio Fernández, Roony Bardghji.
Player of the Match: Eric García (Barcelona)
Real Oviedo (4-4-2): Aarón Escandell; Lucas Ahijado, Eric Bailly, David Carmo, Rahim Alhassane; Haissem Hassan, Leander Dendoncker, Alberto Reina, Ilyas Chaira; Santi Cazorla, Salomón Rondón.
Subs: Luka Ilić, Kwasi Sibo, Josip Brekalo, Álex Forés, Santiago Colombatto.