Barcelona were forced to dig deep at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, but Robert Lewandowski once again proved decisive. The 37-year-old striker came off the bench to score a stunning header, rescuing Joan Garcia from an earlier blunder and keeping the Blaugrana within touching distance of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.
Barcelona’s trip to Asturias was anything but straightforward. Real Oviedo stunned the reigning champions in the first half, punishing a costly error from Joan Garcia before Robert Lewandowski came off the bench to inspire a second-half turnaround in a 3-1 victory.
It looked like being a night to forget when Alberto Reina capitalised on Garcia’s misplaced pass to fire in from 40 yards, sending the home fans into raptures. Barcelona were flat, short of ideas, and badly missing Frenkie de Jong’s midfield control.
The tide began to turn after the interval. Eric Garcia, a surprising goalscorer, pounced on a rebound to level things up before Lewandowski, introduced with 20 minutes left, made the decisive impact. The Polish striker’s thumping header off the underside of the bar restored order and showcased the kind of clinical finishing that only a player of his calibre provides.
As Oviedo tired, Ronald Araujo sealed the points with a glancing header late on, ensuring Barcelona remain just two points behind Real Madrid in the title chase.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Joan Garcia – 4/10
Endured a nightmare moment for Oviedo’s opener, gifting possession far from goal before being lobbed. Looked shaky afterward, though he did redeem himself with a late save.
Eric Garcia – 8/10
Rewarded for his consistency with a poacher’s finish to level the score. Solid defensively and proving increasingly reliable.
Ronald Araujo – 8/10
Energetic on both ends. Provided the assist for Barca’s equaliser and sealed the win with a superb late header.
Pau Cubarsi – 6/10
Steady and disciplined, preferring to sit back when teammates pushed forward.
Gerard Martin – 5/10
Struggled against the tricky Haissem Hassan and had a difficult evening.
Midfiel
Pedri – 7/10
Controlled the midfield with composure, growing into the game as Barca turned the tide.
Marc Casado – 5/10
Neat but limited. His withdrawal for Frenkie de Jong at half-time changed the game.
Dani Olmo – 5/10
Disappointing after a lively showing last time out. Too many misplaced passes.
Attack
Raphinha – 6/10
Unlucky to see his long-range strike cannon off the post. Subbed after an industrious shift.
Ferran Torres – 7/10
Always looked threatening. His sharp effort forced the save that led to the equaliser.
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Lively and direct, testing the goalkeeper several times. At times indecisive, but always dangerous.
Substitutes & Manager
Frenkie de Jong – 8/10
Made an instant impact, dictating play and setting up Lewandowski’s goal with a sublime cross.
Robert Lewandowski – 8/10
Rolled back the years with a world-class header to put Barca ahead. Pure instinct and quality.
Jules Kounde – 7/10
Added stability and made an important late block.
Marc Bernal – N/A
Came on too late to influence the game.
Andreas Christensen – N/A
Late cameo, no real impact.
Hansi Flick – 7/10
His initial lineup struggled, but substitutions – especially De Jong and Lewandowski – changed the match completely.
Hansi Flick’s men were far from their best, but the character and impact of key figures — Lewandowski, De Jong, and Araujo — turned a potential upset into a crucial away win. For Barcelona, it was a reminder that while the performances may falter, their veteran striker still has the firepower to keep them in the hunt for silverware.
