The match, played on Sunday, was tougher than the scoreline suggests. The Blaugrana flirted with a stumble for more than half the game, as Real Oviedo employed an aggressive tactic of individual marking, short-circuiting the rhythm with constant fouls. The frustration and discomfort of Barça were evident at the Camp Nou.
In a league decided by the two direct clashes between Barça and Madrid and by the fewest number of mistakes made by each, losing at home against the bottom team is not advisable.
The situation changed radically in the second half thanks to two defensive errors by the Asturians. First, Olmo capitalized on a turnover by Carmo to open the scoring. Shortly after, Raphinha chipped goalkeeper Aarón Escandell after David Costas made a short back pass. These two goals made it 2-0 and allowed the game to flow easily for Hansi Flick's side.
Before the final whistle, Lamine Yamal added the finishing touch with a spectacular goal, volleying a cross from Olmo with a half-bicycle kick. The 3-0 victory against Real Oviedo puts FC Barcelona back in the lead, one point ahead of Real Madrid.
The match was also marked by the downpour and hail that fell on the uncovered Camp Nou. President Joan Laporta endured the shower in the Box with “elegant resignation”. Furthermore, the veteran Santi Cazorla, aged 41, played the final minutes of his long professional career, receiving an ovation from the crowd.
