Goalkeeper gave away the first goal at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has refused to criticise goalkeeper Joan Garcia for the mistake that led to Real Oviedo’s opener on Thursday, saying instead that the goalkeeper was playing the way he expects his team to play.
Garcia has been excellent for Barcelona so far but made a blunder at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium. Just after the half hour, the goalkeeper rushed out to make an important clearance, but then he lost possession with a horrible pass that was meant for Marc Casado but instead drifted into the middle of the pitch to Alberto Reina, who quickly pounced and lobbed to give Oviedo a first-half lead.
However, Flick brushed off suggestions the 24-year-old should be blamed. “It happens, it’s the style and how we want him to play,” he said afterwards.
The German was more eager to highlight the contribution of Ronald Araujo, who sealed Barcelona’s 3-1 victory with a late header.
“Ronald is an important player for us and I am happy he scored,” Flick said. “For him, maybe it’s a good step for his belief. He’s shown this season that he is doing much better than last year. At the moment everyone has confidence and that gives us a lot of options.”
The win was Flick’s 50th in 67 games as Barcelona coach and keeps his side within two points of leaders Real Madrid.
Robert Lewandowski, introduced from the bench, was again decisive, heading in the second goal to turn the match in Barcelona’s favour.
Flick praised both the finish and the influence the 37-year-old brings even from the bench.
“He’s one of the best in the world in the box,” Barcelona’s coach said. “When Robert comes on you can feel he wants to change the result, not only with goals but with the dynamic he gives us.”
