Barcelona Overcome Early Struggles to Secure Commanding 3:0 Win Over Oviedo

Key Takeaways:

• Barcelona reclaimed top position in La Liga after a 3:0 home victory against Oviedo
• Goals by Dani Olmo (52′), Raphinha (57′), and a spectacular finish by Lamine Yamal (73′) sealed the win
• Oviedo remain bottom of the table after suffering their nineteenth loss, with relegation looming

Match Overview

Barcelona delivered a 3:0 triumph against Oviedo at Spotify Camp Nou in the 21st round of La Liga, regaining their status at the summit of the league ahead of Real Madrid. Although a convincing win against the league’s weakest side was widely anticipated, Hansi Flick’s team displayed an unexpectedly lacklustre performance in the opening half, before finding their rhythm after the interval.

The goals arrived in quick succession following the break. Dani Olmo broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a driven shot, and Raphinha doubled the lead just five minutes later. Lamine Yamal capped off the evening in the 73rd minute with a stunning airborne finish, underscoring his growing influence in the squad.

This victory saw the Catalan side bounce back from their 1:2 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad a week prior. By contrast, Oviedo’s poor run persisted, with only two victories registered so far; they remain at the bottom of the league and appear destined for relegation as the campaign progresses.

V I C T O R Y pic.twitter.com/XiYVDzV9Ym

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 25, 2026

Team Selection and Pre-Match Events

João Cancelo made his first start at left-back since returning to the team, with Eric García operating on the right. Lamine Yamal was restored to the starting eleven, while Pedri was sidelined due to injury and is expected to be out for approximately one month.

Prior to kick-off, Barcelona showcased their recently acquired Spanish Super Cup trophy, having secured it earlier in the month.

First-Half Analysis

Despite expectations of an aggressive start, Barcelona struggled to assert themselves in the early stages. The hosts failed to test the opposition’s goalkeeper for an extended period, whereas Oviedo managed several forays forward, though often falling foul of the offside flag. Not until the 25th minute did the pressure begin to build in front of Oviedo’s goal.

The closing stages of the first half brought increased action in the visitors’ penalty area, and Oviedo’s goalkeeper, Joan García, was asked to intervene in stoppage time. A volley attempt from Raphinha marked the final highlight before half-time. During the break, Hansi Flick opted to substitute Gerard Martin, who had been booked, for Koundé.

Second-Half Dominance and Final Statistics

Barcelona emerged with renewed vigour in the second period, swiftly seizing the advantage through Olmo’s powerful effort on 52 minutes. Their dominance was emphasised moments later when David Costas’ error presented Raphinha with the opportunity to round the goalkeeper and make it 2:0. Lamine Yamal delivered a memorable third just past the 70-minute mark, executing a spectacular acrobatic finish.

With the contest essentially settled, little of note transpired in the closing stages, aside from a heavy rainstorm that accompanied the final whistle, signalling a comfortable win for the hosts.