Sergio Egea returned to the Real Oviedo bench in Almería, introducing a change in formation and going in search of victory. Hard work and a good performance saw Real Oviedo earn a deserved victory and remain fully involved in the playoff chase.
The first half saw the Asturians achieve complete control of the match, with Almería never threatening Champagne’s goal. The first chance came to Javi Hernández in the fifth minute, but his free header was denied by René. Saúl’s cross flashed across the box without anybody applying the finishing touch. A fine passage of play involving Jimmy, Bárcenas and Johannesson then ended with a clear handball in the box, but the referee did not award a penalty.
Tejera’s goal came right at the start of the second half. His shot from the edge of the box picked up added venom from a deflection and gave ‘Los Azules’ the lead. Ibra then had a chance to double it, but headed wide. Johannesson had another clear opportunity, but was unable to convert a cross to the back post. The team also proved itself more than up to the challenge when it had to apply itself in defence. There were fine performances by Champagne and all of the other players, including Mossa and Folch, who came on late on to freshen the team up.
The team is due to return to Asturias tomorrow, bringing three well-deserved points with them. The next training session will be at 10:30 on Tuesday at El Requexón.
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