La Liga champions Barcelona registered a 3-1 come-from-behind win over Oviedo on Friday as goals from Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski and Ronaldo Araujo gave the Catalan giants all points on offer.
Alberto Reina put Oviedo ahead in the first half before Barca hit back through Garcia, Lewandowski and Araujo in the second period of play.
“I saw the goalkeeper’s mistake and went for it immediately. As soon as I kicked it, I knew it was good,” the Oviedo midfielder said.
“My first goal in the top flight; I’ll never forget it,” Reina added.
“All footballers dream of nights like this, playing against these players and in front of these fans,” added Reina.
“It was a nice night that didn’t end well, but we enjoyed it as much as we could,” he added.
The Catalan
side initially fell behind due to a mistake from goalkeeper Joan Garcia, which allowed Alberto Reina to score from 40 yards out. Barcelona equalised early in the second half through Eric Garcia.
Lewandowski, coming off the bench, headed Hansi Flick’s team in front, and Araujo made the game safe by heading home Marcus Rashford’s corner late on.
Barcelona, currently second in the table, trail leaders Real Madrid by two points. Real Madrid maintained their perfect start with a win at Levante on Tuesday, despite Barcelona missing star winger Lamine Yamal. Barca recorded their fourth consecutive victory across all competitions without the teenager.
“In the second half, I told my team to continue playing calmly and with conviction, and we did it well,” said Flick.
Oviedo, back in Spain’s top flight for the first time since the 2000/01 season, started with 40-year-old Santi Cazorla in midfield, marking his first start of the season.
Though they struggled against Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe earlier in August, Oviedo performed better against Barcelona in front of an energetic crowd.
Rashford, who started on the left wing after being benched last weekend for arriving late to a team meeting, came closest for Barcelona in the first half. His powerful effort was tipped away by Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, who impressed despite conceding goals. Escandell also thwarted Rashford again after Raphinha hit the post.
Barcelona dominated the match, but Oviedo took the lead in the 33rd minute following a mistake by Joan Garcia. Charging out of his box, Garcia intercepted the ball but passed it straight to Reina, who scored into the empty net.
Flick said he wouldn’t be too harsh on his goalkeeper.
“It’s the style we want him to play, and mistakes can happen,” explained Barca’s coach.
“He’s a fantastic goalkeeper… one mistake and they capitalise, but that’s football.”
Hansi Flick sent on Frenkie de Jong at half-time, and the Dutchman helped Barcelona step up their game. They equalised through Eric Garcia, who scored from close range after Escandell saved Ferran Torres’ effort following Ronald Araujo’s cross. Escandell continued to frustrate Barcelona, saving attempts from Raphinha and Torres, but couldn’t keep out Lewandowski’s header.
Five minutes after being brought on, the Polish veteran produced an excellent header from De Jong’s cross, hitting the underside of the crossbar before going in. Jules Kounde made a crucial interception to help maintain Barcelona’s lead, and Araujo sealed the victory in the 88th minute by heading Rashford’s corner past Escandell.
“The changes were made at the right time, with Frenkie and Lewy,” said Flick.
Lewandowski has mostly been used as a substitute this season, following an injury at the start of the campaign.
“I’m patient, I’m not in a hurry, the season is long and we have many games,” said the 37-year-old striker.
Barcelona will host Real Sociedad on Sunday at the Olympic stadium, while Real Madrid visit rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday for a derby clash.
