Lewandowski shines as Barcelona overturn Oviedo to stay close to Real Madrid | Football News

Barcelona secured a 3-1 comeback victory in opposition to Real Oviedo in La Liga on Thursday, with Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo scoring headers after Eric Garcia’s equalizer cancelled out Alberto Reina’s opening aim. The win retains Barcelona two factors behind league leaders Real Madrid.Barcelona fell behind within the thirty third minute when goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s error allowed Reina to rating from 40 yards out into an empty internet. The Catalans equalized by way of Eric Garcia early within the second half.Substitute Lewandowski put Barcelona forward with a header that went in off the crossbar from Frenkie de Jong’s cross. Araujo sealed the victory within the 88th minute by heading in Marcus Rashford’s nook.“In the second half, I said to my team, we have to continue, we have to play with calmness, to be convinced about playing with the ball, and we did it well,” mentioned Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.The victory marked Barcelona’s fourth consecutive win throughout all competitions, achieved with out injured star winger Lamine Yamal.Oviedo, taking part in in Spain’s high flight for the primary time since 2000/01, featured 40-year-old midfielder Santi Cazorla making his first begin of the season.Rashford, who began on the left wing after being benched final weekend for tardiness to a crew assembly, created a number of possibilities. Oviedo goalkeeper Aaron Escandell made a number of saves from his makes an attempt.“I saw the goalkeeper’s mistake and I went first time, and in the moment I kicked it, I saw it was good,” Oviedo midfielder Reina advised DAZN. “My first in the top flight, I’ll never forget it.”Flick defended his goalkeeper’s mistake: “It’s the style that we want him to play in, and it can happen. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper… one mistake and they use it, but it’s football.”De Jong’s introduction at halftime helped Barcelona enhance their tempo. Escandell continued making saves from Raphinha and Torres earlier than Lewandowski’s breakthrough.“The changes were at the right time, with Frenkie and also with Lewy,” mentioned Flick.Lewandowski, who has primarily been used as a substitute this season following an early harm, confirmed persistence: “I’m patient, I’m not in a hurry, the season is long and we have a lot of games.”Despite the loss, Oviedo’s goalscorer remained constructive: “All footballers dream of nights like this, to play against these players and with these fans. It was a nice night, which didn’t end well but we enjoyed it as much as we could.”Barcelona’s subsequent match is in opposition to Real Sociedad on the Olympic stadium on Sunday, whereas Real Madrid faces Atletico Madrid in a derby conflict on Saturday.Barcelona path Real Madrid by two factors within the league standings, with the leaders sustaining their good begin to the season after successful at Levante on Tuesday.Jules Kounde made a vital defensive intervention to protect Barcelona’s lead earlier than Araujo’s remaining aim secured the three factors.The match was performed in entrance of an lively crowd on the Carlos Tartiere stadium, the place Oviedo had beforehand confronted Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe in August.