Lewandowski Lifts Barcelona Past Real Oviedo with Late Heroics

Barcelona player ratings took center stage as the Catalan giants overcame a nervous start to secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Real Oviedo, thanks to a crucial goal from veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish star’s impact off the bench not only rescued his team after an early error from goalkeeper Joan Garcia but also kept Barcelona firmly in the La Liga title race.

Barcelona Player Ratings: Lewandowski’s Brilliance Shines

Barcelona player ratings reflected a rollercoaster evening at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium. Xavi Hernández’s side entered the match needing a positive result after Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga. However, Barcelona’s opening half was marred by a costly mistake from Joan Garcia, whose misplaced pass allowed Alberto Reina to lob the ball home from an audacious 40 yards, leaving the visitors stunned.

Midfield Struggles and Defensive Woes

Barcelona struggled to control the midfield in the first half, with Gavi and Frenkie de Jong unable to break down Real Oviedo’s disciplined defensive setup. Real Oviedo, motivated by the home crowd and buoyed by their early lead, pressed high and forced errors, making life difficult for Barcelona’s backline.

Turning Point: Lewandowski Changes the Game

The turning point arrived in the 56th minute, as an unlikely source provided the equalizer. Eric Garcia, surging forward from defense, tapped in from close range after Ferran Torres’ effort was parried by the Oviedo goalkeeper. This leveled the score and injected renewed energy into Barcelona’s play.

Lewandowski, introduced off the bench, wasted little time making his mark. In the 70th minute, the 37-year-old striker met a pinpoint cross with a powerful header, crashing the ball in off the underside of the bar. His goal not only gave Barcelona the lead but also highlighted his enduring quality and instinct in front of goal.

Late Flourish Secures the Points

With Oviedo tiring in the closing stages, Barcelona pressed their advantage. Ronald Araujo added a third in the 89th minute, glancing a well-placed header into the far corner to put the result beyond doubt. The final whistle saw Barcelona close the gap to Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga, cutting the deficit to two points after six rounds.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs Real Oviedo

• Joan Garcia: 5 – Costly error, but redeemed by teammates.
• Jules Kounde: 6 – Solid, but not spectacular.
• Ronald Araujo: 7 – Commanding defensively and capped the win.
• Eric Garcia: 7 – Scored a vital equalizer.
• Gavi: 6 – Industrious but struggled with Oviedo’s pressing.
• Frenkie de Jong: 6 – Improved in the second half.
• Ferran Torres: 7 – Provided the assist for the equalizer.
• Robert Lewandowski: 8 – Game-changing goal off the bench.

What This Means for the Title Race

With this result, Barcelona player ratings will be under close scrutiny as the team continues to chase Real Madrid at the top of the table. The victory not only keeps the pressure on their rivals but also demonstrates the depth and resilience of Xavi’s squad. The performance of Lewandowski, in particular, will be encouraging as Barcelona seek to maintain momentum in the weeks ahead.

Opinion: Lewandowski’s Experience Makes the Difference

Once again, Robert Lewandowski proved why he is vital to Barcelona’s ambitions. Despite limited minutes, his composure and instinct in front of goal turned a possible setback into a statement win. While concerns remain about defensive lapses, especially early in matches, the depth and experience in Barcelona’s squad—epitomized by Lewandowski—could prove decisive in this season’s title race.

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