Barcelona fight back to secure important victory at Real Oviedo

Real Oviedo 1-3 Barcelona

Barcelona have secured another victory at the start of the 2025-26 season, defeating Real Oviedo 3-1 at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

Hansi Flick’s side were under the cosh in the early stages, but after getting through that, they could – and should – have scored. Marcus Rashford was denied twice by Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, while Raphinha hit the post with a long-range strike.

Barcelona’s inability to score the opener cost them as Oviedo hit the front – and it was a moment that Joan Garcia will not want to see again. He came out of his box to collect a ball in behind, but after controlling it, he misplaced a pass to Marc Casado that allowed Alberto Reina to score from 35 yards.

But 10 minutes into the second period, Barcelona got back level as Eric Garcia was on hand to bundle the ball home after a stramash inside the Oviedo penalty area. Ferran Torres’ effort came back off the post, but the defender followed up to drag the Catalans back to 1-1.

And soon after, Barcelona completed the comeback courtesy of substitute Robert Lewandowski, who headed home from Frenkie de Jong’s cross. His header struck the underside of the crossbar, but fortunately for him, it went into the back of the net, leaving Escandell with no chance.

And with minutes to go, Ronald Araujo sealed the points for Barcelona with a fine header of his own from Rashford’s corner, which capped a fine performance from him.

Barcelona reduce Real Madrid’s lead back to two points

The result means that Barcelona are back within touching distance of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings. They will hope to close further on their El Clasico rivals this weekend when they face Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.