Hansi Flick deployed an extensively rotated lineup against Real Oviedo, and understandably so given the hectic schedule and how the opposition on the night were far from in-form. The extent of changes, however, saw the Catalans produce their worst first-half performance since the Chelsea game late in 2025 as they simply struggled for harmony on the field. It was in defence that Flick made the biggest changes.
The return of Joao Cancelo to FC Barcelona is all but secured, with an agreement over a loan deal reached with his club, Al Hilal. The Blaugrana will re-sign the Portuguese international, who already spent the 2023/24 season on loan at the club, on a temporary deal once again until the end of the season. Cancelo's desire to return and acceptance of a salary cut were critical in the deal going through, with his arrival now seen as imminent.