Barcelona surpasses Real to top La Liga

On Sunday night, Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga after a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo at Camp Nou. Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal were on target to secure the Catalan side’s return to the summit.

The triumph came just a day after Real Madrid temporarily seized first place with a win over Villarreal. With this latest result, Barcelona moved one point clear at the top, sending a strong statement to their rivals in the title race.

Despite Oviedo languishing at the bottom of the table with only two wins this season, the match proved more challenging than expected. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona struggled to carve out clear opportunities in the first half, as the visitors organised a resilient defensive line.

The first-half passing appeared unusually disjointed for Barcelona, particularly in a partially open Camp Nou. Injured midfielder Pedri González watched from the stands, his disappointment visible — an absence that clearly hampered his team’s fluidity. Oviedo also had moments to threaten on the counterattack, with Haisem Hasan’s long-range effort denied by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García. Raphinha, too, saw his attempt well blocked by Oviedo’s Aaron Escandel.

Barcelona returned in the second half with renewed intensity. A sustained pressing sequence allowed Yamal and Raphinha to recover possession, which fell to Dani Olmo, who calmly slotted the opener.

The second goal arrived in the 57th minute following a defensive error. David Costas’s weak back-pass was intercepted by Raphinha, who deftly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper.

The third goal, widely regarded as the match’s finest moment, saw Olmo’s cross drift slightly behind, but Yamal positioned perfectly and executed a brilliant bicycle kick into the net.

Heavy rain struck late in the game, prompting many spectators to leave the stadium, which remains without a full roof. Those who stayed witnessed Escandel produce a fine save, preventing what could have been Barcelona’s fourth goal, potentially scored by Robert Lewandowski.

The victory boosts Barcelona’s confidence and sends a clear signal in the championship race: they are once again firm contenders for the La Liga title.

Match Summary Table