Barcelona capitalised on two costly defensive mistakes by bottom side Real Oviedo to secure a 3-0 win on Sunday. The victory helped Barca reclaim the top spot in LaLiga.
Goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and a spectacular late strike from Lamine Yamal lifted Barca to 52 points. Barca are now one point clear of Real Madrid, with Atletico Madrid third on 44.
First-Half Struggles
The hosts struggled for fluency in the first half against spirited opposition. Oviedo threatened on the counter despite their lowly position. Moroccan winger Ilyas Chaira fired narrowly wide in the 29th minute. Meanwhile, Haissem Hassan also tested Barcelona’s back line as the Catalans, missing the injured Pedri, laboured to impose midfield control.
Second-Half Breakthrough
Barcelona finally broke through seven minutes after the restart. A poor clearance allowed Olmo react quickest to slot calmly into the corner in the 52nd minute.
Oviedo’s problems deepened moments later when David Costas underhit a back pass. This allowed Raphinha to intercept and delicately chip goalkeeper Aaron Escandell to double the lead.
“That’s our idea, to press high and win the ball back quickly,” Raphinha told reporters. “It’s unfortunate for them, but that’s what we’re coached to do.”
Yamal Seals It
Yamal sealed the win in the 73rd minute with a moment of brilliance. He met Olmo’s cross with an acrobatic scissor-kick volley, sealing the match 3-0.
“We weren’t at our best in the first half, but in the second, we got the goals we needed,” Raphinha added.
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