Real Oviedo goalkeeper Aarón Escandell has labelled Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as “game changers” ahead of their daunting trip to the Camp Nou this Sunday. The shot stopper knows his side faces a monumental task to contain the Catalans’ unpredictable attacking threats.
“They are two daggers, two very unpredictable players,” Escandell admitted in his pre match press conference. “We know how difficult the match will be, but we also know our strengths and we’re going to go for it.”
His words underline the respect for a Barca side smarting from last weekend’s surprise 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad, a result that sliced their lead at the La Liga summit to a mere point. Yamal is set for an immediate recall after missing the midweek Champions League win through suspension, with his direct running and Raphinha’s trickery likely to be central to Hansi Flick’s plan to get back on track.
Escandell, however, insists his relegation battling side won’t just make up the numbers. “They are game changers in one on one situations, but we have to focus on our own game, our work, and how to counter them,” he said. “It’s very difficult, but not impossible. With hard work, giving 100% until we have nothing left, and believing in what the manager asks of us, we can put up a fight.”
The keeper struck a defiant note, vowing his team will leave everything on the pitch. “We have to leave everything on the field, and if we lose, we’ll shake hands and leave with our heads held high.”
For Flick, the match is a must win. The pressure is back on after the Sociedad slip up, and with the title race tightening, any further dropped points against a side in the bottom half would be viewed as a crisis. All eyes will be on Yamal’s return and whether Barca’s attack can cut through a team who’s goalkeeper is already braced for a barrage.
