La Liga’s heartbeat returns to Estadio Carlos Tartiere this Thursday, September 25th, 2025. Under the cold evening skies of Asturias, the storyline is set: Real Oviedo, the Carbayones worthy of a proud two-decade promotion, hosting Barcelona, the Catalan giants in hot pursuit of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
For Oviedo, this is more than a fixture and it is the avant-garde of dreams. A full stadium, a historic opponent, a chance to thrive beyond the odds. For Barcelona, this is business: three points, no regrets, and the commitment of Hansi Flick to a newfound era of dominance.
Real Oviedo: The Return of the Carbayones
Once a Club, Risen from the Ashes
Real Oviedo is back in La Liga, and it is a storybook return after 24 years. The club had once been at the brink of bankruptcy and had relied on former players and devoted fans to keep the club alive. Finally, by pure resilience, they return to the top echelons of Spanish football.
Their promotion from the Segunda División play-offs last season was the result of years of hard work. But promotion was only the start: the real fight is for survival.
The Fight to Adapt:
Oviedo's early days in La Liga have been brutal.
Played 5, lost 4, won 1.
Only 1 goal scored all season.
17th in the league and only above relegation.
Their only positive was a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad, with a goal from Leander Dendoncker. Other than that, goals have been hard to come by: Salomón Rondón, at 35 years of age, looks a shadow of the Premier League striker he used to be, and injuries to key players have made things worse.
This is not the Oviedo of Cesar and the golden 90s. This is a team hanging on by a thread.
Barcelona: Flick's New Era in Motion
Standards, Discipline, Results
Hansi Flick has not wasted any time getting to work. From dropping Marcus Rashford and Raphinha for being late to the training ground to changing Barcelona's tactical framework, he expects discipline—and it's showing in the results.
Five victories in six matches
13 points earned in La Liga
11 goals netted in 3 matches
Ferran Torres is the standout surprise with four goals, exceeding Robert Lewandowski. Marcus Rashford has added sophistication, and Pedri continues to direct play in the middle with poise.
Barcelona currently sits 2nd in the La Liga table behind Real Madrid, but they are aware that every single point dropped may be critical. Dropping points to Oviedo is not an option.
Injury and Absence Issues
The Blaugrana also have some injury concerns:
Lamine Yamal (groin)—Out
Gavi (knee surgery)—out long-term
Marc-André ter Stegen (back) – Out
Fermín López (groin) – Out
Alejandro Balde – Doubtful
Despite the injuries, their depth remains impressive. Flick has the ability to rotate players but need not do so, as the starting XI is still dripping with talent.
Head-to-Head: History Between Giants and Dreamers
Barcelona's and Real Oviedo's history is steeped in tradition:
82 Matches: Barça 46 wins, Oviedo 24 wins, 12 draws
Last match: Oviedo shocked Barça with a 1-0 win in 2001.
Goals scored: Barça 200, Oviedo 119
Oviedo have scored in their last 12 matches against Barça.
Barça has scored in 42 consecutive matches across all competitions.
Although history heavily favours the Catalans, if they have any weakness, it’s playing in Oviedo. Barça has lost 3 of its last 4 away matches at the Carlos Tartiere. The atmosphere will certainly play a role, and I'm sure that the Oviedo fans will be louder than ever.
Recently Predicted Line-up
Real Oviedo Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Escandell; Bailly, Carmo, Calvo, Ahijado; Dendoncker, Reina; Alhassane, Colobatto, Chaira; Rondón
Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
J. Garcia, Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsí, Martin, Pedri, De Jong, Casadó, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres
Tactical Battle of David vs. Goliath
Oviedo’s Plan
Veljko Paunović will aim to:
Play 4-2-3-1 in a deep and compact shape
Prevent pass to/from central areas
Look to play long balls toward Rondón
Get lucky/one of those famous set pieces
The problem is that Oviedo lacks finishing quality. Only having 1 goal this season means it’s possible that perfect defending won’t even work!
Barcelona’s Plan
Flick’s men love to do structure:
Vigorous pressing
Quick vertical passes from Pedri & De Jong
Ferran Torres working half-spaces
Lewandowski working the box
Just expect to see Barcelona pin Oviedo inside their half, dominate possession (likely 70%+), and throw multiple attacking options at Oviedo’s defence.
Betting Analysis: Where is There Value?
This is where fandom meets betting fans, and it’s fun to think about and analyse.
Goal Market
Oviedo: Lowest goalscorers in La Liga (1 goal)
Barcelona: Averaging 3+ goals per game
Bet Tip: Over 3.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score
Oviedo scored in their last 12 games against Barça.
But they have scored only once this season.
Bet Tip: No – Both Teams to Score
Corners
Barcelona averages 5.8 corners/game.
Oviedo concedes 7+ corners/game.
Bet Tip: Barcelona -2.5 corners handicap
Cards
Oviedo averages 4 yellow cards/game.
Barcelona averages 4.2 yellow cards/game.
Bet Tip: Under 3.5 Total Yellow Cards
Current Odds from Stake.com
Final Prediction: Oviedo vs. Barcelona
This game is more than numbers. Its emotion, history, and survival against aspiration. Oviedo will fight with heart—but Barcelona’s quality is overwhelming.
Prediction: Real Oviedo 0-3 Barcelona
Best Bets:
Over 3.5 Goals
Barcelona -2.5 Corners
Torres Anytime Scorer
Barcelona continues, Oviedo regroups, and La Liga writes another chapter.
This is More Than a Game
When the referee blows the whistle for the last time at the Carlos Tartiere, one truth will remain: Real Oviedo are still living their dream, and Barcelona are still chasing glory.
