Injury Crisis Forces Tactical Shifts
When Hansi Flick arrived at the Estadio Municipal Carlos Tartiere, he knew the back‑room would be stretched thin. Marc‑Andre ter Stegen and Alejandro Balde were still nursing long‑term injuries, while midfielder Gavi and prodigy Lamine Yamal were unavailable for the weekend. Flick’s answer? A pragmatic 4‑2‑3‑1 that leaned on the squad’s depth rather than star power.
Barcelona started Joan Garcia in goal – a bold move that surprised the fans but suited the club’s need for a reliable presence between the sticks. Eric Garcia partnered Ronald Araujo at centre‑back, forming a youthful yet aggressive defensive duo. Left‑back duties fell to Gerard Martin, thrust into the role after Balde’s exit, while Pau Cubarsi held the right flank.
Midfield was anchored by a double pivot of Pedri and Marc Casado, both tasked with shielding the defence and keeping the ball moving. Up front, the creative trio of Raphinha on the right, Dani Olmo centrally, and an unexpected Marcus Rashford on the left wing supplied width and pace. Ferran Torres led the line, ready to exploit any chance that came his way.
The line‑up reflected Flick’s willingness to blend experience with opportunity. By fielding Rashford, a player more accustomed to Premier League intensity, Flick added a fresh dimension that later proved vital.
Match Overview: From Early Setback to Triumph
Real Oviedo, making their debut against the Catalan giants, took the initiative early. Veteran Santi Cazorla orchestrated the opening phases, feeding Alberto Reina, who slipped the ball past Garcia in the 33rd minute. The goal sparked whispers that the hosts could pull off a historic upset.
Barcelona struggled to find rhythm in the first half, their usual fluidity hampered by the unfamiliar defensive pairing and the absence of their creative midfield engines. Pedri’s attempts to dictate tempo were often met with tight pressing from Oviedo’s midfielders, leaving the visitors searching for a breakthrough.
The turning point arrived after the break. Eric Garcia, who had been quiet in the first period, surged forward to equalise in the 56th minute, capitalising on a set‑piece flick‑on. The goal ignited a new wave of confidence, and Flick responded by introducing Robert Lewandowski off the bench.
Lewandowski, despite limited minutes this season, showcased why he’s still a lethal finisher. In the 70th minute he latched onto a through‑ball from Olmo and curled a low finish into the bottom corner, restoring Barcelona’s lead. The final strike came from Ronald Araujo in the 88th minute, a header from a corner that sealed the 3‑1 comeback.
Beyond the scoreline, the match underscored a few key takeaways. Flick’s tactical flexibility allowed him to plug gaps without compromising the team's core identity. The younger defenders, Garcia and Araujo, proved they can handle pressure and contribute offensively. Meanwhile, the cameo from Lewandowski reminded everyone that the club still possesses game‑changing firepower when needed.
For Real Oviedo, the performance was a badge of honour. They showed they could compete with Spain’s elite, creating several half‑chances and keeping the Catalans honest for much of the game. Their disciplined defending and crisp passing will earn them respect in the first half of the season.
Barcelona’s victory pushes them to within two points of league leaders Real Madrid, keeping the title race tantalisingly close. With the injury list unlikely to clear completely, the onus is now on Flick to keep rotating the squad while preserving the attacking flair that has defined their early season surge.
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