"Hansi Flick deployed an extensively rotated lineup against Real Oviedo, and understandably so given the hectic schedule and how the opposition on the night were far from in-form. The extent of changes, however, saw the Catalans produce their worst first-half performance since the Chelsea game late in 2025 as they simply struggled for harmony on the field. It was in defence that Flick made the biggest changes."
"It was in defence that Flick made the biggest changes. Joao Cancelo, who was initially expected to start at right-back with Kounde on the bench, started at left-back. Instead, the natural left-back Gerard Martin started at centre-back alongside Pau Cubarsi and the natural centre-back Eric Garcia was deployed at right-back. While all the aforementioned have shown utility when played out of position, combining so many players playing in makeshift roles threatened Barcelona's buildup flow and saw them struggling to build out of the back."
Barcelona produced a disjointed first half against Real Oviedo because of extensive rotation, particularly across the backline and in defensive midfield. Joao Cancelo started out of position, Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi paired in unfamiliar roles, and Eric Garcia was shifted to right-back, disrupting ball progression and buildup. Marc Casado struggled in defensive midfield, further impeding play. Kounde's introduction restored central defensive chemistry and improved the attack. Oviedo gifted two goals in five minutes in the second half, and Lamine Yamal's bicycle kick completed a 3-0 win that reclaimed top spot in the standings.
Read at Barca Universal
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