'It's the style we want him to play' - Joan Garcia error downplayed by Hansi Flick as Barcelona boss praises Robert Lewandowski & Frenkie de Jong impact in Oviedo win

The Catalan giants fell behind at Oviedo after a costly early error, but rallied to win 3-1 thanks to a dominant second-half display. Flick’s side were blunt in the opening 45 minutes, creating chances but paying for a defensive lapse; however, the comeback demonstrated Barca’s depth and resilience as they converted pressure into goals after the break.

Garcia's misdirected pass to Alberto Reina led to Oviedo’s opener in the 33rd minute to put Barca on the back foot, but Flick was quick to shield his summer signing and stress the thinking behind his goalkeeper’s style.

"It's the style we want him to play, and it can happen, that's what I have to say," said Flick after the match. "He's a fantastic goalkeeper, the one who defends our back line, and he always does it very well. It was a mistake, and they took advantage of it, but it's football, and the important thing is that we won."

After a sluggish first half, Flick turned to his stars. De Jong replaced Marc Casado at half-time, giving Barca more control in midfield, while Lewandowski came on for Raphinha, and quickly made the difference by scoring the second goal to put Barcelona ahead. The Dutchman assisted the Polish striker and the pair were decisive in turning the match around.

"That's why they're here in the team [Lewandowski and De Jong]. In the first half, we played well, even though they scored, but we had a lot of chances. In the second half, I told them we had to keep going, play calmly, and be confident in playing with the ball, and we did well. Of course, we made the substitutions at the right time, with Frenkie and Lewy, and we were able to earn three points."

The Catalans now turn their attention to hosting Real Sociedad at the Montjuic Stadium this weekend, with another stern challenge awaiting them in midweek when they meet Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.