BARCA COMPLETE COMEBACK TO CLOSE GAP ON MADRID
Barcelona completed a second-half turnaround away at Real Oviedo to go within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
The champions were 1-0 down at the interval against the newly promoted outfit, after a mistake from goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the 33rd minute.
The summer signing came a long way out of his goal to deal with a ball over the top, but played a sloppy pass into midfield and was punished as Alberto Reina superbly curled home into an empty net, from just inside Barcelona’s half.
But Hansi Flick’s side drew level 11 minutes into the second period, as Eric Garcia bundled home after Ferran Torres’ effort from close range was tipped onto the post.
The visitors then took the lead as Robert Lewandowski produced a wonderful header into the top-right corner from Frenkie de Jong’s delivery, just five minutes after his introduction.
The three points were sealed late on as Marcus Rashford’s corner was headed home into the bottom-left corner by central defender Ronald Araujo.
It was Rashford’s second league assist since his arrival this summer, but his wait for a league goal goes on, having been denied twice early on in the first half by Aaron Escandell.
The Englishman was back in the starting line-up at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, having been left out against Getafe on the weekend after turning up to training late on the morning of the game.
It was Raphinha who came the closest for Barcelona in the opening period, striking the right post with a low effort from the edge of the box.
It was far from vintage from Barcelona, who continue to be without Lamine Yamal, with the teenager recovering from a reported groin injury.
But they have now won five of their opening six league games this season and are just two points shy of Madrid, who have won all six of their matches.
Up next for Flick’s men is a home clash against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
As for Real Oviedo, they remain 18th in the division, having suffered their fifth defeat of the campaign.
They will hope to clinch just their second win of the season on Monday when they travel to take on Valencia.
