Barcelona will look to quickly put their latest domestic setback behind them when they welcome struggling Real Oviedo to Camp Nou on Sunday, as La Liga action resumes at the top and bottom ends of the table.
Hansi Flick’s side begin the weekend leading the standings by a single point over arch-rivals Real Madrid, while newly promoted Oviedo find themselves rooted to the foot of the division, seven points adrift of safety.
Barcelona saw their four-point cushion at the summit trimmed to one last weekend after Real Madrid dispatched Levante, before the Catalan giants suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat away to Real Sociedad. That loss brought an end to Barca’s lengthy unbeaten run in La Liga, which had stretched back to late October.
The response in midweek was encouraging. Flick’s men produced an entertaining 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League, a result that strengthened their chances of finishing in the top eight of the league phase. With a final European group fixture against Copenhagen to come on January 28, Barcelona’s immediate attention turns firmly back to domestic matters.
Pressure could increase before a ball is kicked on Sunday, as Real Madrid have the opportunity to leapfrog Barcelona if they beat third-placed Villarreal on Saturday. As a result, anything less than three points against bottom-of-the-table opposition would be a significant blow to Flick’s title ambitions.
Barcelona have once again been among the most potent attacking sides in Spain this season, but defensive frailties continue to undermine their dominance. They have conceded freely in Europe and have already shipped 22 goals in La Liga, the joint-highest tally among the traditional top five.
The Blaugrana did overcome Real Oviedo 3-1 in the reverse fixture earlier this campaign, although history offers a small note of caution. When the sides last met at Camp Nou in May 2001, Oviedo emerged with a shock 1-0 victory.
For Real Oviedo, survival remains the sole objective in what was always expected to be a difficult first season back in the top flight since 2000-01. The Blues have managed just two wins from 20 league matches, alongside seven draws and 11 defeats, leaving them bottom on 13 points.
Goals have been in particularly short supply, with Oviedo scoring only 11 times all season, comfortably the lowest total in La Liga. Managerial instability has not helped, with Guillermo Almada becoming the club’s third head coach of the campaign last month.
While Almada is yet to record a victory, his early impact has been modestly encouraging. Oviedo have drawn three and lost just one of his four games in charge and have been beaten only twice in their last six league outings. However, they have not tasted victory since edging Valencia 2-1 at the end of September.
Injuries & Suspensions
Barcelona will again be without several key players due to injury. Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain sidelined with knee problems, Pedri is unavailable with a hamstring issue, and Ferran Torres is also ruled out with a muscle injury.There is positive news, however, with teenage star Lamine Yamal returning to the squad after missing the Champions League win over Slavia Prague through suspension. Pedri’s absence is expected to see Eric Garcia continue in a more advanced midfield role alongside Frenkie de Jong.
Robert Lewandowski is set to spearhead the attack once more, while Marcus Rashford is likely to start on the bench again despite his recent involvement.
Real Oviedo head to Catalonia in relatively good health. David Carmo returns from suspension, while Ovie Ejaria and Eric Bailly are the only two players considered doubtful. Almada is expected to stick with a settled lineup, with Federico Viñas leading the line after scoring twice in his last two appearances.
Possible Starting Lineups
Barcelona:J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; E Garcia, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Real Oviedo:
Escandell; Vidal, Carmo, Costas, Alhassane; Colombatto, Sibo; Hassan, Reina, Chaira; Vinas
Expert Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Real Oviedo
