Barcelona avoided a shock defeat against newly promoted Real Oviedo, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory and maintain their unbeaten start to the La Liga season. The match also marked a historic moment for Oviedo midfielder Santi Cazorla, who made his first-ever La Liga start for the club at the age of 40.
A sold-out Carlos Tartiere Stadium witnessed an emotional night for Cazorla, who began his career at Oviedo but was forced to leave in 2003 due to financial constraints before ever making a senior appearance. He returned to his boyhood club in 2023 and played a key role in their promotion to the top flight for the first time in 22 years.
For a time, it looked like a fairytale evening for the veteran midfielder. Despite heavy pressure from Barcelona, it was Oviedo who struck first. In the first half, Alberto Reina capitalised on a costly error from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, intercepting a misplaced pass and curling a superb finish over the recovering defenders to give the hosts a surprise lead.
Barcelona, who had been denied multiple times by Oviedo keeper Aaron Escandell and struck the post through Raphinha, finally found their rhythm after the break.
Goals from Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski, and Ronald Araujo turned the tide, ensuring the Catalan giants left Oviedo with all three points.
At half-time, Cazorla spoke to DAZN about the team’s effort:
“I’m enjoying it, but suffering. We’re making a massive effort as a team. Let’s see if we can catch them on the break and score a second.”
Although Oviedo couldn’t hold on for a famous result, the night will be remembered for Cazorla’s milestone and the spirited performance of the underdogs against one of Spain’s elite sides.
