Barcelona have enjoyed an excellent run since returning from the international break, stringing together three wins in just seven days across different competitions. In that time, they’ve scored 11 goals and conceded only once, a reminder of their growing confidence under Hansi Flick.
Their dominant week began with a crushing 6-0 home win over Valencia in La Liga, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Newcastle United in their Champions League opener. They rounded things off on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Getafe.
Ferran Torres was the star at Estadi Johan Cruyff, striking twice in the first half to put Barça in control, taking his tally to a team-high four goals this season. Dani Olmo then sealed the points with his first goal of the campaign midway through the second half.
Flick admitted that breaking down Getafe’s low block was “not easy,” but praised his players for executing their game plan and securing maximum points. That result keeps Barcelona in second place, just two points behind leaders Real Madrid heading into midweek action.
The Catalans will now visit Estadio Carlos Tartiere with history on their side when it comes to Thursday fixtures. They have won their last six La Liga matches played on a Thursday, equalling their longest such streak in the competition’s history. However, recent trips to Real Oviedo have been less encouraging, with Barça losing three of their last four league games away to the Asturian club.
For Oviedo, this is a landmark season. Back in La Liga for the first time in 24 years after winning promotion through the playoffs, their return has been anything but smooth. They have collected just three points from their opening five matches, leaving them 17th and only one point above the relegation zone.
Their sole victory came at the end of August, a gritty 1-0 win at home to Real Sociedad. Since then, goals have dried up. Defeats to Villarreal, Real Madrid, Getafe, and most recently Elche – all without scoring – highlight their struggles in front of goal. In fact, they have managed just one goal in five league games, the fewest of any team in the division.
Even so, Oviedo’s history against Barcelona offers a small glimmer of hope. They have scored in each of their last 12 league meetings with the Catalans, netting 19 times across that run – their best-ever record against Barça in the top flight. The Blues were also victorious the last time they faced them, winning 1-0 in May 2001.
Paunović’s men are clear underdogs heading into Thursday’s clash, but they’ll be motivated by the chance to claim back-to-back league wins over Barcelona for the first time since 1961.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Real Oviedo have several injury problems to contend with heading into Thursday’s clash. Nacho Vidal (hamstring) and Luka Ilic (ankle) both limped off during the defeat to Elche and are unlikely to feature, while Álvaro Lemos (knee), David Costas, and Ovie Ejaria (muscle) remain on the sidelines.
There is some good news for Veljko Paunović, though, as Federico Viñas returns from suspension. He will compete with veteran striker Salomón Rondón – still searching for his first goal after four appearances for the club – for a starting spot up front.
Paunović may also consider a tactical tweak to a three-man defence, with Lucas Ahijado and Rahim Alhassane pushing to operate as wing-backs. In midfield, Santiago Colombatto and 40-year-old Santi Cazorla will both be hoping to earn places in the starting XI.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have injury concerns of their own. Fermin López is expected to be out for around three weeks after picking up a groin injury in the win over Getafe, while Gavi is still sidelined and awaiting knee surgery. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen (back) and defender Alejandro Balde (hamstring) also remain unavailable.
Lamine Yamal, who has missed the last three games with a groin issue, is rated doubtful and will undergo a late fitness test. Head coach Hansi Flick could rotate his squad, with Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Marc Casadó, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji all pushing for starts after beginning on the bench at the weekend.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Oviedo possible starting lineup:
Escandell; Bailly, Carmo, Calvo; Ahijado, Dendoncker, Reina, Alhassane; Colombatto; Chaira, Rondon
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, De Jong, Casado; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Oviedo 0-3 Barcelona
