Barcelona staged a strong second-half comeback to claim a 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Real Oviedo in La Liga on Thursday, with headers from Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo sealing the win.
The Catalans looked in trouble when goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s costly error gifted Alberto Reina a sensational opener from 40 yards. Oviedo, playing their first top-flight campaign since 2001, stunned the visitors as Reina calmly lobbed into the empty net after Garcia’s misplaced clearance.
Hansi Flick’s side rallied after the break. Eric Garcia levelled the game from close range following Aaron Escandell’s save, before substitute Lewandowski rose high to nod home Frenkie de Jong’s pinpoint cross and put Barca ahead. Araujo added the third late on, heading in Marcus Rashford’s corner to secure all three points.
Despite missing teenage star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona dominated possession and carved out chance after chance. Rashford, starting on the left wing after disciplinary issues last week, was a constant threat but denied repeatedly by Oviedo’s outstanding goalkeeper Escandell, who also saved efforts from Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
The result gives Barcelona their fourth straight win in all competitions and keeps them within two points of leaders Real Madrid, who extended their perfect start earlier in the week.
Barcelona will next host Real Sociedad on Sunday, while Madrid face Atletico in the weekend’s highly anticipated derby.
