Highlights are also valuable: the immediate notes from Barça-Oviedo
Barcelona's victory against a very defensive bottom-placed team allows them to regain the lead.
BarcelonaBarça's victory against the bottom team (3-0) After a poor first half and a second half unlocked thanks to moments of brilliance from Barça and mistakes from Oviedo, here are some immediate observations from the match.
Martínez Munuera and the 'getafization' of Oviedo. It would be unfair to blame Barça's disastrous first half on the refereeing, but Martínez Munera's performance was hard to stomach. First, a yellow card for Gerard Martín, a completely gratuitous one, even before the 10th minute. Then, when Costas moved a ball that Eric was about to play, with the sole aim of wasting time, the referee spared the opposing defender a card. Escandell, however, did get a card later, protesting that he hadn't caught the ball outside the area, and he was right. The Valencian referee was also very lenient with the rough play – free rein for Oviedo's center-backs – and the constant time-wasting by an Asturian side that paid homage to Bordalás' Getafe.
Talent solves a lackluster Barça. Dani Olmo, with the goal that broke the deadlock, has turned his fortunes around. From being one of the most ineffective players in a soporific and disorganized Barça side in the first half, he scored a fine goal that broke the resistance of the bottom-placed team. With the third goal, a moment of brilliance from Lamine Yamal, Olmo also notched an assist. But much more is expected from the only major signing Barça has been able to make in the last two seasons, paying more than 50 million euros in fixed and variable fees. It's difficult to argue with the Terrassa native when he's been contributing decisive goals in recent matches, but it's clear to everyone that Fermín is currently the starting attacking midfielder. For now, with highlights And goals, that counts too.
Hansi Flick cradles Marc Bernal. With the game already decided, it's true, but the midfielder from Berga got some playing time again. Tempted to leave for Girona this winter transfer window, Flick doesn't want to lose players, knowing that the only reinforcement he'll have is Cancelo. While the manager was crystal clear in his message by leaving Ter Stegen on the bench against Racing – the German could make his debut for Girona this Monday – he's also being clear with Bernal, in the opposite sense: giving him minutes so he doesn't leave. Cancelo, for his part, made his first start on his return, and at the Camp Nou, where he had never worn the Barça colors before. A very discreet performance from the Portuguese player.
The Camp Nou opera. The return to the stadium 43 days later lacked warmth. It's a recurring theme that the atmosphere is frigid unless it's a major event. Largely for this reason, regardless of one's opinion, chants calling for the return of the supporters' section are always heard. The club and members of the supporters' group are in talks to resolve an issue that has become a thorn in Laporta's side, and which he wants to resolve before the elections. Against Oviedo, at times, the approximately 600 visiting fans made their presence felt more strongly. The exorbitant ticket prices, designed for tourism, and the nature of the Barça fans also explain this. It didn't help that Barça didn't register their first shot on target until the 46th minute. Breaking the deadlock allowed for a bit of excitement, which the bravest fans continued despite the torrential rain.