One year, five months, and fourteen days later, fans came back to the stands at the Carlos Tartiere. They bore witness to a draw for the team from the capital of Asturias against CD Lugo, in the first match of the 2021/22 LaLiga SmartBank season. 5,769 Oviedistas were back alongside their team once more, supporting and backing Ziganda's side from start to finish.
Los Azules opted for a starting eleven made up of Femenías; Lucas, Costas, Dani Calvo, Pierre; Javi Mier, Jimmy, Mossa; Viti, Borja Sánchez and Obeng. Right from the outset the team showed determination to start the new season with a win, bringing tempo and intensity to the clash. Building from control of possession, Real Oviedo carried the game into the CD Lugo half, with the visitors forced to work hard to contain the Asturian attacks. Mossa and Viti were both denied by the keeper from early chances, but the latter would then break the deadlock. A fine piece of play saw the local winger fire past the away keeper to open the scoring. Real Oviedo were relentless in attack and doubled the lead a few minutes later. Samuel Obeng made the most of Borja's cross, heading home the second of the match for the hosts. Los Azules were not threatened defensively and went close to adding a third before the break. Borja Sánchez got a flick onto a Pierre free kick, but was denied by the goalkeeper.
Real Oviedo again emerged the stronger side in the second half and looked to extend the lead right from the off. Los Azules managed to keep the ball away from Lugo and began to create danger, with Viti, Obeng and Borja Sánchez very active in attack. The team's defensive solidity was once again apparent, with the team dealing well with the few chances created by the Galicians. Viti had the best chance of the second half, but was brought down in the area before he could get a shot away. Lugo then cut the deficit. Ziganda turned to his bench, bringing on Jirka and Bolaño. The visitors levelled the encounter just three minutes from fulltime. The referee, with the help of VAR, blew for a handball by Pierre, and the away team converted from the spot. Los Azules kept going but luck did not go their way.
The first match of Real Oviedo's season ended in the points being shared. The next match will see the Asturians travel to Andalusia to face Almería. The match at Los Juegos de Mediterráneo will kick off at 22:00 on Friday.
