Robert Lewandowski staying 'patient' about new substitute role but striker still has eye for goal after vital impact in Barcelona win

Barcelona overturned a first-half deficit to claim a 3-1 win at Real Oviedo, with Robert Lewandowski making a decisive impact off the bench. The striker remains patient over his substitute role but continues to find the net, while Hansi Flick’s tactical tweaks and substitutes, including Frenkie de Jong, proved crucial in securing the comeback.

Lewandowski shines off the bench again

Polish international Lewandowski once again demonstrated his value as a super-sub, scoring five minutes after entering the pitch. The striker met Frenkie de Jong’s perfectly timed header with a precise flicked effort that gave Barcelona the lead. Despite being eased back into match rhythm after preseason injury issues, Lewandowski has now scored three goals off the bench this season, having netted a double against Valencia. It is a big change for the hitman, who is adapting to a new role as a substitute. 

However, he is not concerned by his limited playing time so far, telling reporters: “I’m patient. The most important thing is that if I play, I want to score a goal to help the team. Physically, I feel very good.” 

AdvertisementAFPTactical mastery by Hansi Flick

Flick’s substitutions at half-time, most notably bringing on De Jong for Marc Casado, turned the game in Barca’s favour. The changes stabilised the midfield, improved ball circulation, and allowed Barca to control possession and create decisive chances, highlighting Flick’s adaptability and game-reading ability.

Lewandowski scores off the bench again as Barca win

Despite Alberto Reina’s spectacular first-half strike after a goalkeeping error from Joan Garcia, Oviedo were largely kept at bay. Goalkeeper Aaron Escandell made multiple acrobatic saves, including denying Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, keeping the game competitive before Barca’s superior quality shone through. 

“Yes, Oviedo plays good football, and in the first half we struggled to finish, but in the second we played faster. In the end we scored three goals,” Lewandowski explained.

However, Oviedo remain in the relegation zone with just three points from six games, highlighting the gap between the struggling hosts and the title contenders.

AFPBarca shines on-field but upcoming fixtures and off-field trouble stays

Barca’s comeback began with Eric Garcia’s equaliser from close range, capitalising on a saved Ferran Torres shot. Lewandowski's header then put the visitors ahead, followed by Ronald Araujo’s late finish from Marcus Rashford’s corner. The result extended the Blaugrana’s unbeaten start to the season. They have scored in their last 26 league matches, a feat they have only previously matched between November 2020 and May 2021.

The Catalans will host Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, continuing their temporary home stint while they await permission to return to Camp Nou. The Catalans aim to consolidate their position near the top of La Liga and maintain scoring consistency. Lewandowski, Flick, and the squad will look to sustain momentum ahead of the crucial return to Camp Nou on 18 October against Girona, ensuring the team remains title contenders while managing squad rotation and fitness.