Barcelona youngsters react to impressive win over Oviedo: ‘We managed to tire out our opponent’

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado made the most of a rare starting opportunity as the Blaugranadefeated Real Oviedo 3-0 at Camp Nou. 

With Pedri unavailable, Casado was handed a place in the starting XI and responded with a mature and energetic performance that caught the eye. 

Despite seeing limited minutes this season, the La Masia graduate showed personality, discipline and composure in midfield.

Speaking about Atletico Madrid links

In recent weeks, Casado has been linked with a possible move away from Barcelona, with Atletico Madrid reportedly monitoring his situation. 

Asked about his future after the match, the midfielder left no room for doubt and made his position very clear. 

Casado said, “Wearing this shirt will always be my priority. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a child, and I hope it will continue to be so for many years to come. 

“I’m going to make the most of every minute I’m given.” 

Turning his attention to the match itself, Casado analysed Barcelona’s performance against a demanding opponent. 

He acknowledged the challenges posed by Oviedo and praised their bravery, saying, “Oviedo pressed well, they played a brave game, I think we moved the ball well. We moved them around well. 

“We knew they were going to tire, but we lacked aggression in the final pass. Then, in the second half, we scored after two good recoveries.” 

Title race with Real Madrid

The midfielder did not shy away from the bigger picture either. Asked about the title race with Real Madrid, Casado stressed the team’s ambition, stating, 

Pau Cubarsi was happy with the win. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“We know that to win titles, we have to go for it. The important thing is that I see the team as very motivated.”

Casado also reacted to Lamine Yamal’s spectacular goal with a smile, adding some light-hearted detail. He revealed, 

“I think it’s the first bicycle kick we’ve seen from Lamine, even in training. 

“I gave him a couple of slaps on the back of the head. The hail? It hurt our heads, it was very uncomfortable.”

Pau Cubarsi’s analysis

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi delivered a calm and thoughtful analysis of the match, belying his young age. 

Reviewing the team’s performance, he said, “We weren’t effective in the first half in terms of scoring, we lacked rhythm, although we did a good job at the back. 

“But in the second half, we managed to tire out our opponents and press them to score. 

“Lamine’s goal? All the goals were good and important, but Lamine’s goal was out of this world.”

Cubarsi also spoke about his physical battle with Oviedo striker Federico Vinas, explaining the defensive approach he had to take. 

“I had to be tough with Vinas, a very robust forward. I had to anticipate his moves so that he didn’t get the ball in front of the goal.”

Looking ahead, the centre-back was already focused on the next challenge, with a crucial European fixture on the horizon. 

He concluded, “We did well and deserved to win the match. Now we have to prepare for Copenhagen, which will be an important match.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo