​​Oviedo Shock Barça, But Barcelona’s firepower turned the story upside down

It looked like the script was written for Santi Cazorla. On his first-ever La Liga start at the age of 40, the veteran midfielder almost masterminded a famous win for his boyhood club Real Oviedo. Instead, Barcelona’s firepower turned the story upside down, securing a 3-1 victory and protecting their unbeaten record.

Oviedo Dream, Barcelona Nightmare

In a sold-out Carlos Tartiere stadium, the home side struck first. Barcelona had dominated early, forcing Aaron Escandell into three spectacular saves and hitting the post through Raphinha. But disaster struck when goalkeeper Joan Garcia misjudged a clearance outside his box. The ball landed at the feet of Alberto Reina, who curled a clever finish into the net, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.

Cazorla, who had left Oviedo as a teenager due to financial struggles before returning in 2023, was at the heart of everything. His vision and calmness in midfield gave his team belief, and for a while, Barcelona looked rattled.

Barça Wake Up

Xavi’s men began the second half sluggishly, and Oviedo even threatened a second when Haissem Hassan broke down the wing. But slowly, the tide turned. The equaliser arrived when Eric Garcia poked in after Escandell tipped Ferran Torres’ strike onto the post.

Fourteen minutes later, Barcelona’s substitutes combined. Frenkie de Jong delivered a teasing ball into the box, and Robert Lewandowski rose highest, glancing a header that clipped the bar on its way in. Relief swept across the visiting bench.

The Final Blow

As Oviedo pushed forward, Barcelona delivered the knockout. Ronald Araujo powered home a header from a Marcus Rashford corner, sealing the points and continuing Rashford’s hot streak of three assists in three league games.

For Oviedo, the night was bittersweet. Their second league goal of the season briefly gave them hope, but they remain stuck in the relegation zone with just three points from six matches. For Barcelona, the win trimmed Real Madrid’s lead at the top to just two points, keeping the title race alive.

Cazorla’s Moment

Even in defeat, the evening belonged to Cazorla. After a career marked by dazzling skills and painful injuries, the former Arsenal and Spain star finally fulfilled a lifelong dream: starting a La Liga game for Oviedo. His composure and creativity reminded everyone why he remains adored by fans everywhere.

As he left the pitch, Oviedo supporters rose to their feet. Barcelona may have taken the points, but Cazorla took the spotlight.