Matchday 38 in LaLiga SmartBank saw Real Oviedo welcome CE Sabadell to the NMR Carlos Tartiere, in what was an important match for Los Azules' hopes of moving closer to fifty points. The team from the capital of Asturias ended up triumphing 2-1.

Ziganda was absent from the bench one more, as he served the second game of his touchline ban. He opted for a starting eleven made up of Femenías; Lucas, Grippo, Arribas, Mossa; Sangalli, Jimmy, Edgar, Borja Sánchez; Nahuel and Rodri Ríos. This was the first of the five 'cup finals' remaining this season, as described by the Coach in the leadup to the match.

Sabadell came into today's match in good form and did not make things easy for Real Oviedo, but the Asturians went into the encounter aware of its importance. The first half saw Real Oviedo go out to take control of the play and prove themselves more clinical than the Catalan outfit in front of goal. Little by little Los Carbayones began to threaten Mackay in the visitors' goal. Mossa was first to try his luck, but it would be Rodri who converted from a fine Jimmy cross to open the scoring. Sabadell began to create some threat, while Los Azules followed their gameplan, controlling the ball and looking to extend the lead. However, a fantastic strike from the away side would soon leave Femenías powerless to prevent the equaliser. Nevertheless, the very next passage of play saw Real Oviedo restore the lead. Rodri's initial effort struck the upright, but Nahuel was able to convert from the rebound to make the score 2-1.

Ziganda's team started the second half more strongly than its opponent. Borja Sánchez and Simone Grippo both went close to adding to the scoreline early on in the half, but they were both denied by fine saves from Mackay. Sabadell, a goal down, tried to get hold of the ball and created more than Los Azules, but the home defence was solid throughout and avoided any real danger of an equaliser. Ziganda brought on Borja Valle and Obeng in the first change, before later introducing Bolaño. The encounter ended with the two teams fighting for the ball and the score still 2-1.

Real Oviedo picked up three crucial points today in the battle for survival. Los Azules will be back at the NMR Carlos Tartiere next time out, when they face Málaga.