Barcelona Triumphs Over Real Oviedo
In a thrilling LaLiga encounter on Thursday, Barcelona overcame a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 triumph over Real Oviedo, with Robert Lewandowski playing a pivotal role after coming off the bench. Despite Oviedo initially taking the lead in the 40th minute through a long-range lob from Alberto Reina, Barcelona showcased their strength in the latter half, demonstrating the tactical flexibility of coach Hansi Flick.
Lewandowski’s Impact
Lewandowski, at the age of 37, netted the second goal for Barcelona, marking his third goal this season from a substitute position, reinforcing his status as a vital asset for the team.
Barcelona’s persistence in managing player fatigue has been a key focus this season. Lewandowski noted the importance of maintaining physical freshness as the campaign unfolds, stating,
“We have so many games and the season is very long. Being more fresh for the future means we have more opportunities to be a better team.”
He acknowledged a previous injury at the end of preseason that hindered his performance but expressed contentment with his current physical state.
“For strikers, it’s always better to play, but we have to be patient and think there are more important games coming,”
he remarked during an interview with ESPN.
Turning the Match
After Eric García leveled the score for Barcelona shortly after halftime, Lewandowski’s header from a Frenkie de Jong cross at the 70-minute mark swung the momentum in their favor.
“It was a very important goal,”
Lewandowski said, recognizing his responsibility as a substitute. The Polish striker’s experience and goal-scoring instinct proved vital in turning the match.
Coach Flick’s Reflections
Coach Flick, celebrating his 50th victory in just 67 matches with Barcelona, expressed his appreciation for Lewandowski’s influence on the game, emphasizing the striker’s ability to alter the dynamic when he enters.
“When Robert comes on, you can feel he wants to change the result. It’s not just about the goal, but also the energy he brings to the match,”
Flick commented in the post-match press conference.
Flick also addressed an error by Eric García that contributed to Oviedo’s goal but maintained confidence in his player’s style of play, indicating that such mistakes are part of their evolution. Additionally, he praised Ronald Araújo, who capped off the victory with Barcelona’s third goal, highlighting the defender’s growth and contributions to the team’s success this season.
Looking Ahead
As the LaLiga leaders remain only two points ahead of Barcelona, the upcoming fixtures will test both the depth and resilience of the squad as they navigate a demanding schedule this season.
