Barcelona beat Real Oviedo 3-1 with strong second-half

Barcelona earned a 3-1 away win over Real Oviedo after a sluggish first-half display but came alive in the second period under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick. The result gave the Catalan club three important points, but it also underlined areas where they still need to improve.

Barcelona came into the match as clear favourites, but the first half showed that playing away from home is never easy in La Liga. Real Oviedo started aggressively, pressing high and not allowing Barcelona to control the tempo comfortably. While the Blaugrana dominated possession, their passing was slow, predictable, and lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a determined defence.

Oviedo made the most of their opportunities. In the 27th minute, a quick counter caught Barcelona off guard, and the home side took the lead. Flick’s men looked unsettled and could not find the fluency they usually rely on. Defensive lapses, something that has haunted Barcelona repeatedly this season, again became visible. For the home crowd, it was a moment to enjoy, as their team went toe-to-toe with one of Spain’s giants.

The second half, however, was transformed by Flick’s tactical changes. Known for his emphasis on intensity and vertical attacking play, Flick urged his players to be more direct, press higher, and inject urgency into their transitions. The plan worked within minutes. In the 52nd, Barcelona equalised after a fast attack down the wing, and suddenly their confidence returned.

From that point, Barcelona seized control. Their midfield, led by quicker circulation and improved positioning, began to stretch Oviedo’s structure. The second goal came midway through the half, with Barcelona finally finding the precision and sharpness they lacked earlier. Oviedo, who had worked tirelessly, began to tire against the wave of attacks.

The third goal arrived late, when Oviedo pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Barcelona struck on the counterattack, a sequence that mirrored Flick’s preferred style—quick, vertical, and decisive. At 3-1, the contest was effectively finished, and Barcelona left the field relieved but also encouraged by how they responded.

This match tells two stories about Barcelona. On one hand, their first-half performance still showed weaknesses: lapses in concentration at the back and an inability to control the rhythm early on. On the other, their second-half reaction spoke of resilience, quality, and a willingness to adapt under Flick’s plan. These comebacks may save matches, but against stronger opposition, slow starts could prove costly.

For Real Oviedo, the defeat was disappointing but not entirely disheartening. They showed courage, discipline, and the ability to disrupt a top side. The opening goal and spells of pressure highlighted their potential, though their lack of stamina compared to Barcelona’s bench strength was exposed late on.

For Hansi Flick, this victory is another small step in shaping his Barcelona side. His tactical fingerprints were clear in the renewed energy after the break. The challenge now will be consistency—ensuring the team plays with the same purpose from the very beginning and avoids giving opponents an early advantage.

The 3-1 win moves Barcelona closer in the race for the top of La Liga, where rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are also fighting strongly. Flick knows that away wins like this will be crucial if his team are to stay in the hunt for silverware. But the performance again showed that this is very much a work in progress.

On paper, Barcelona’s victory looked straightforward. In reality, it was a hard-fought contest that needed tactical tweaks and mental strength to turn around. Flick’s men got the job done in the end, and while it was not perfect, it was the kind of result that can keep momentum alive in a demanding season.

With inputs from agencies

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