Barcelona vs Real Oviedo

The title race returns to the Spotify Camp Nou today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as FC Barcelona hosts bottom-of-the-table Real Oviedo. Kick-off is set for 16:15 CET (15:15 GMT / 10:15 ET).

This is a classic "top vs. bottom" clash with high stakes for both. Barcelona sits in 2nd place (49 points), trailing Real Madrid by just one point following Madrid’s victory yesterday. For Real Oviedo, the situation is dire; they are in 20th place (13 points), seven points adrift of safety and onto their third permanent manager of the season, Guillermo Almada.

Match Information

Barcelona: Flick’s Search for Midfield Balance

Hansi Flick’s side is looking to bounce back domestically after a shock 2–1 loss to Real Sociedad last weekend. While they steadied the ship with a 4–2 Champions League win over Slavia Prague on Wednesday, the victory came at a significant cost.

Team News and Selection:

• Pedri Blow: The biggest news of the week is Pedri, who is ruled out for at least a month with a hamstring injury sustained in Prague.

• Injury List: Pedri joins Gavi (knee), Andreas Christensen (knee), and Ferran Torres (muscle) in the medical room.

• Midfield Solutions: With Pedri out, Frenkie de Jong is expected to drop into a deeper role alongside Eric Garcia, while Fermín López or Dani Olmo will handle the creative duties.

• Lewandowski's Form: Robert Lewandowski remains the focal point after scoring twice in midweek, supported by the league's most dangerous young duo, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; E. Garcia, De Jong; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Real Oviedo: The Great Escape Attempt

Real Oviedo’s return to the top flight has been a struggle. Despite their position, they have shown flashes of resilience, most recently in a narrow 3–2 loss to Osasuna. Manager Guillermo Almada is searching for a defensive formula that can withstand the league's most potent attack.

Team News and Selection:

• Fitness Doubts: Former Man Utd defender Eric Bailly and Ovie Ejaria are both major doubts with muscle fatigue.

• Injury Absences: Saúl Berjón, Juanjo Nieto, and Sebas Coris are all confirmed out with muscle tears.

• Key Threat: Georges Mikautadze (on loan) has been the silver lining for Oviedo, though they will need a monumental defensive performance from David Costas to stay in the game today.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Escandell; Vidal, Carmo, Costas, Alhassane; Colombatto, Sibo; Hassan, Reina, Chaira; Vinas.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Reverse Fixture: Barcelona won 3–1 at the Carlos Tartiere earlier this season (September 2025).

• The "25-Year" Wait: This is Real Oviedo's first league trip to the Camp Nou since May 2001—a game they famously won 1–0.

• Home Fortress: Barcelona has won 16 of their 20 league games this season, boasting a goal difference of +34.

• Oviedo’s Drought: The visitors have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 away matches in La Liga.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Barcelona will likely monopolize the ball (expecting 70%+ possession) and use Lamine Yamal to isolate Oviedo's left-back, Alhassane. The absence of Pedri might slow down their transition play, but the sheer individual quality of Raphinha and the clinical finishing of Lewandowski should be overwhelming.

Real Oviedo will deploy a low block and pray for a clinical counter-attack. However, Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system is designed exactly for opponents like this. If Barça scores early, it could be a long afternoon for the bottom club.

Final Score Prediction: Barcelona 4–0 Real Oviedo