Barca Rotate Squad for Crucial La Liga Clash vs Oviedo

Contrasting Fortunes Meet at Estadio Carlos Tartiere

FC Barcelona travels to face Real Oviedo on Thursday, September 25, in a La Liga fixture that starkly contrasts the ambitions of two clubs at opposite ends of the table. For Barcelona, the match is a crucial step in their pursuit of league leaders Real Madrid. For Real Oviedo, it represents a monumental challenge in their fight for survival after returning to Spain’s top flight for the first time in 24 years.

Under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona have started the 2025-26 season in strong form, remaining undefeated in the league. They currently sit tied for second place with 13 points from five matches. A victory against Oviedo would close the gap on their rivals Real Madrid to just two points. The Catalan side boasts the league’s most potent attack, having scored 16 goals so far, and enters the match on a three-game winning streak where they’ve outscored opponents 11-1.

Real Oviedo’s return to La Liga has been fraught with difficulty. Coached by Veljko Paunovic, the team has managed just one win and four losses in their opening five games, leaving them in 18th place with three points. Their primary struggle has been in front of goal, having found the net only once this season. That lone goal, scored by Leander Dendoncker, secured their only victory against Real Sociedad.

Team News: A Rotated Barcelona Faces a Determined Oviedo

The biggest headlines ahead of kickoff revolve around Hansi Flick’s squad selection, which clearly has an eye on the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The decisions reflect a strategy of squad management and prioritizing player fitness for a packed schedule.

Lewandowski Benched, Yamal Sidelined

In a significant move, star striker Robert Lewandowski has been named on the bench. In-form forward Ferran Torres, who has already scored four goals this season, will lead the line. This tactical shift gives Torres a chance to continue his impressive start to the campaign in a central role.

Barcelona will also be without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who is still recovering from a muscle issue he sustained during the September international break. According to digitaltrendstoday.com, the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully fit for the critical European fixture against PSG next week. Other key players unavailable due to injury include Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Alejandro Balde.

Confirmed Starting Lineups

With several key players rested or injured, Flick has fielded a rotated but still formidable side. Real Oviedo, meanwhile, will deploy their strongest possible lineup, hoping to cause an upset in front of their home crowd.

• Barcelona Starting XI: Joan Garcia; Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin; Pedri, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford.
• Real Oviedo Starting XI: Aaron Escandell; Lucas Ahijado, Eric Bailly, David Carmo, Rahim Alhassane; Alberto Reina, Leander Dendoncker; Haissem Hassan, Santi Cazorla, Ilyas Chaira; Salomon Rondon.

An Uphill Battle for the Hosts

Barcelona’s visit to the Estadio Carlos Tartiere is their first since 2001, and the home crowd is expected to create an intense atmosphere. Despite their struggles, Oviedo will look to their experienced players like former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla and striker Salomon Rondon for inspiration. Their goalkeeper, Aarón Escandell, has been a standout performer, leading La Liga with 26 saves, and he will likely be tested throughout the match.

While Barcelona are heavy favorites, the combination of their squad rotation and Oviedo’s desperation for points could make for an intriguing contest. For the Catalans, anything less than three points will be seen as a setback in the title race. For Oviedo, earning even a single point would be a massive boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation.