Not even facemasks were enough to cover up the smiles as we got to play in front of our fans once more. Real Oviedo made its preseason debut this evening at El Pardo (Navia), as the side played a friendly against Rayo Majadahonda, with fans in attendance.
Ziganda opted for a starting eleven made up of Femenías; Lucas, Grippo, Costas, Pierre; Viti, Sangalli, Borja Sánchez, Jimmy, Alex Cardero and Obeng. Chances were lacking in the opening minutes, until a fine run from Viti on the right, which the Madrid side eventually cleared for a corner. Borja Sánchez tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort went wide. It would be Viti who opened the scoring shortly afterwards, as he converted from a right-wing cross. Ziganda's team showed its superiority, and thwarted Rayo Majadahonda's attempts to counter attack and tried to do damage with quick transitions in play. The Asturians did not capitalise upon a penalty awarded for a foul on Obeng. Former Real Oviedo goalkeeper Champagne saved the spot kick and Los Azules were unable to convert from the rebound. Ziganda's side received another penalty five minutes later, however, with Obeng giving the team a 2-0 halftime lead.
Ziganda made nine substitutions for the second half, with only Femenías and Jimmy remaining from the original starting eleven. Bolaño, Mossa, Jorge Mier, Lucas Laso, Riki, Joselu, Osky, David Iglesias and Javi Cueto all came on as substitutes. Real Oviedo dominated the early stages, but failed to create clear chances. David Iglesias fired wide from a rebound after Cueto went head to head with the keeper and one of the defenders. The side from Madrid did not trouble Berto Hórreo, who came on to replace Femenías during the second half. Susaeta fired a free kick over the bar from the edge of the box, before Riki was denied by the keeper. The match ended in a Real Oviedo win, and with the great happiness provided by seeing our fans up close once more.
