Super sub Robert Lewandowski saved goalkeeper Joan Garcia's blushes as Barcelona came from behind to beat a spirited Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday in La Liga. The 37-year-old is not getting any younger but he showed once again that his class is undeniable with a clinical finish against the struggling side. Garcia made a mistake he will want to forget quickly but the Poland star saved the day.
After table-topping Real Madrid thumped Levante 4-1 on Tuesday, Barcelona had to respond to keep their bitter rivals honest in the title race. But things looked bleak when Alberto Reina took advantage of Garcia's sloppy pass when he was way out of his goal, and the midfielder managed to fire home from 40 yards in the 33rd minute.
The reigning champions needed a response after a flat first half, and they got in the 56th minute when unlikely goalscorer Eric Garcia tapped in from a yard out after Ferran Torres' snap-shot was saved. Off the bench, Lewandowski turned things around for Barca 20 minutes from time when his terrific header crashed in off the underside of the bar.
And Ronald Araujo capitalised on a tiring Oviedo side in the closing stages, as his glancing header nestled in the corner in the 89th minute to secure all three points. The result saw the Blaugrana close to within two points of Madrid after six games of the campaign.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Carlos Tartiere Stadium…
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Joan Garcia (4/10):
Had a horror show for Oviedo's opener as his wayward pass was punished by the hosts. Didn't look all that comfortable after that, bar a nice stop at the death.
Eric Garcia (8/10):
Has been ever-present for Barcelona this season and showed he can be in the right place at the right time in an attacking sense as he stabbed home his team's equaliser. Getting better and better.
Ronald Araujo (8/10):
Showed a great turn of pace and a deft cutback as he played a big part in Barca's equaliser and at the other end, made some vital clearances in his own box. Took his goal very well late on.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10):
The teenager went about his duties quietly and efficiently. Tended to stay back more when Araujo and others got forward.
Gerard Martin (5/10):
Was up against the fleet-of-foot Haissem Hassan and largely came off second best against the winger. A tough night for the defender.
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Pedri (7/10):
Played a big role in keeping Barca's midfield ticking over and then gained superiority as the match wore on. He was always a threat.
Marc Casado (5/10):
While he did not do a great deal wrong, it felt like Barca were missing Frenkie de Jong's quality in the centre of the park. Sure enough, the Dutchman replaced him at the break.
Dani Olmo (5/10):
The former RB Leipzig man was not nearly as effective as he was against Getafe last time out. Was a bit sloppy at times, too.
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Raphinha (6/10):
Has the ability to create something out of nothing, as he showed with his long-range strike that struck the woodwork. The captain was taken off just after the hour mark after a busy period.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
The Spain international is clearly full of confidence as he looks capable of scoring every time he gets the ball. His instinctive and acrobatic shot led to Barca equalising.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
The 27-year-old had his shooting boots on tonight; he just came up against an impressive display from keeper Aaron Escandell. Sometimes his decision-making can be a bit off, but he looks very committed and is so eager to run at the defence.
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Frenkie de Jong (8/10):
The Netherlands international added some much-needed control and quality in the centre of the pitch for the visitors. He also beautifully assisted Lewandowski to make it 2-1.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
With almost his first touch after coming on, he buried a superb header past Escandell to silence the home crowd. His class is permanent.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Made a vital interception at the back late on and added some extra solidity.
Marc Bernal (N/A):
Came on in the game's dying embers.
Andreas Christensen (N/A):
Too little time to make an impact.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
The German made a couple of changes to the side that beat Getafe 3-0 in their last game but it didn't really have a positive impact. However, his subs were dynamite and got them out of a very sticky situation.