Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga with a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, responding emphatically after Real Madrid had briefly taken pole position overnight. Despite the visitors sitting bottom of the table, Hansi Flick’s side had to scrap for their victory as a resilient Oviedo defense kept the Catalans at bay until the second half.
Eventually, the hosts’ superior quality told at the partially-reopened Camp Nou, with Dani Olmo breaking the deadlock to settle the nerves. Once ahead, Barca never looked back, with Raphinha doubling the advantage before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal provided the game’s defining moment of magic.
The pick of the goals was the starlet’s acrobatic effort, an impressive volley from an Olmo cross that sent the home crowd into raptures. Flick, however, was quick to highlight the youngster’s defensive graft, noting that Yamal’s pressing to recover the ball for the opener was “the key to open this game” and secure the three points.
The victory moves Barcelona one point clear of rivals Real Madrid and eight ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid, who earlier cruised to a 3-0 win over Mallorca. Flick defended his side’s sluggish start, citing a grueling schedule and travel following their midweek Champions League exploits in Prague.
With the title race remaining razor-thin, this hard-fought triumph ensures the momentum stays with the Blaugrana. The focus now shifts to maintaining this narrow lead as the league enters a pivotal stretch of the campaign.
