Barcelona showcased their formidable prowess yet again, overcoming a first-half deficit to secure a thrilling 3-1 victory against Real Oviedo on Thursday, solidifying their strong start to the 2025-26 season. The Catalan giants found themselves trailing at halftime but surged back with impressive goals from Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski, and Ronald Araujo, ensuring they took home all three points.
In the aftermath of the match, head coach Hansi Flick took a moment to reflect on the performance, particularly praising Araujo’s significant contributions. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Oviedo, noting, “It wasn’t an easy game because Oviedo make good transitions, but we defended well.” Flick expressed his satisfaction with Araujo’s goal, emphasizing its importance for the young defender’s confidence. “I think it’s a step for his confidence, for him to believe in himself more,” he added, highlighting the notable improvement Araujo has made compared to last season.
Flick explained the tactical adjustments being made within the squad, saying, “Iñigo and Cubarsí played many games together and knew what had to be done. Now we are trying different pairs of central defenders, and being able to choose is good.” This insight into the evolving defensive strategy suggests a team in transition, attempting to find the right combinations for success.
The second half saw a remarkable display from Frenkie de Jong, who made a significant impact after coming off the bench. Flick acknowledged his influence, stating, “He is very important, just like Pedri. In the second half we had more control and more rhythm of the game. That has made the match more difficult for Oviedo.” This control marked a turning point in the match, allowing Barcelona to dictate the pace and ultimately secure the win.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Barcelona. Joan Garcia, the goalkeeper, was left to shoulder the blame for Oviedo’s opening goal, a mistake that Flick was quick to downplay. “It was a mistake. It’s football. It’s a consequence of the way we play. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and then he’s rebuilt himself,” Flick stated, showcasing his support for the young shot-stopper and his ability to bounce back from adversity.
Adding to the concerns, Raphinha’s early substitution in the second half raised eyebrows, but Flick later clarified that the winger was struggling with an injury. “Raphinha felt something in his leg and we had to substitute him,” he confirmed, raising questions about the player’s fitness moving forward.
Barcelona’s resilience and depth were on full display in this match, but the injury to Raphinha and defensive lapses will be areas of concern as they prepare for their next challenges. Fans will be eager to see how Flick navigates these hurdles and continues to mold his squad into a title-contending force.
