Barcelona secured a hard-fought 3-1 comeback win against a brave Real Oviedo side, who played their first top-flight match against the giants in over 20 years. 

Despite controlling the game early, Barcelona went down 1-0 when Oviedo’s Alberto Reina scored a brilliant long-range goal after a goalkeeping error. 

However, Barcelona’s quality and depth showed in the second half. 

Key substitutes like Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski changed the game, with Lewandowski scoring the second goal to put his team ahead. 

The win keeps Barcelona firmly in the race for the league title, while Oviedo’s fighting spirit suggests they will be tough competition for any team this season.

The match began predictably, with Barcelona dominating possession, holding the ball for roughly 80% of the first half. 

However, Oviedo’s defense, bolstered by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, consistently repelled the visitors. 

Escandell made several key saves, notably denying Marcus Rashford multiple times and quickly recovering after a shot from Raphinha struck the post.

The home side, affectionately known as the Carbayones, capitalized on a rare mistake by Barcelona’s young keeper, Joan Garcia. 

In the 33rd minute, Garcia rushed out to clear a long pass but mishit the ball, allowing Oviedo’s Alberto Reina to quickly react. 

Reina curled a brilliant shot from 40 yards into the empty net for his first-ever goal in the top flight.

Reina described his immediate reaction: “I saw the goalkeeper’s mistake, and I went the first time, and in the moment I kicked it, I saw it was good. My first in the top flight, I’ll never forget it.” 

The emotional return of 40-year-old local hero and former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla added to the atmosphere. 

Cazorla, who returned to his boyhood club in 2023, started the match and nearly set up another chance with a clever pass, symbolizing the mix of nostalgia and grit fueling the newly promoted side’s campaign.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick maintained his composure despite the deficit, urging his team at halftime to continue with their strategy. 

“We have to continue; we have to play with calmness, to be convinced about playing with the ball, and we did it well,” he said, also defending Garcia’s error as an expected risk of the team’s playing style.

The turning point came with two key substitutions. 

Frenkie de Jong was introduced at the start of the second half, injecting immediate energy and creativity into Barcelona’s midfield. 

The equalizer came in the 56th minute when defender Eric Garcia bundled the ball over the line from close range after Escandell saved Ferran Torres’ volley, which had come from a cross by Ronald Araujo.

Then, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski entered the game in the 65th minute and made an almost instant impact. 

Just five minutes later, the 37-year-old Polish forward met De Jong’s precise cross with a header that crashed off the crossbar and in, securing his latest strike in a season where his minutes are being carefully managed. 

The win was sealed in the 88th minute when Ronald Araujo headed home a corner delivered by Rashford. 

Araujo dedicated the goal to his injured teammate, Gavi, who faces a long layoff after knee surgery.

This victory marks the fourth consecutive win for Barcelona across all competitions. 

With 16 points from six games, they are breathing down the necks of Real Madrid, who sit on a perfect 18 points. 

Flick credited his strategic changes for the win, stating, “The changes were at the right time, with Frenkie and also with Lewy.” 

Barcelona’s next challenge is a home fixture against Real Sociedad on Sunday, followed by a Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

For Real Oviedo, who have endured significant financial and divisional struggles since their founding in 1926, the defeat is their fifth in six games, leaving them in 18th place. 

However, the performance showcased a fight and a quality that suggests they will not be an easy opponent for anyone.

“All footballers dream of nights like this, to play against these players and with these fans,” said goalscorer Reina, remaining optimistic. 

“It was a nice night, which didn’t end well, but we enjoyed it as much as we could.” 

The resilience shown by Oviedo, who sealed their promotion after a dramatic playoff, is the kind of spirit they’ll need to maintain in the relegation scrap ahead.