Real Oviedo were back in action at the Carlos Tartiere today as they welcomed Las Palmas to Asturias. Los Azules grew as the match progressed and took a point from the fixture, which left a bittersweet taste in the mouths.
With just two days to prepare for the Las Palmas match following the game in midweek, Ziganda was forced into changes, bringing in Mossa, Viti, Borja Sánchez and Borja Bastón, to play alongside Femenías, Lucas, Dani Calvo, David Costas, Brugman, Jimmy and Obeng, in today's match against one of the promotion favourites.
Las Palmas began the match the stronger side but Real Oviedo gradually improved, growing as the minutes ticked by, and creating the opening chances of the encounter. The visitors made the most of their combination play to take control of the possession, while Real Oviedo were organised defensively and looked to break away down the wings. One such passage of play saw Viti cut inside and be brought down inside the area, with the referee giving the penalty. Borja Bastón converted from the spot to put Real Oviedo into the lead. The goal slowed the tempo down as the Asturians wanted, as they began to win the ball back off the visitors. Los Azules put together a good spell and created several good opportunities to extend the lead. Borja Sánchez, on two occasions, and Brugman went close to doubling the lead, but were unable to find the finishing touch, and the first half finished 1-0.
Real Oviedo came out with a new spark, with Obeng almost managing to add a second within the first minute of the half. Borja Bastón tried to double his tally ten minutes into the second half with a spectacular overhead kick which struck the post. Ziganda opted for changes and brought on Pombo and Sangalli, and the former soon played through Obeng, but the forward's chipped effort was denied by the keeper. Real Oviedo maintained a good shape and put in a good defensive performance, while still attempting to open up gaps in the away defence. Las Palmas eventually pushed further up the field and managed to grab the equaliser, as they capitalised on a mistake from Ziganda's side when they were playing the ball out from the back. The visitors linked up well, before crossing into the back post where Kirian Rodríguez made the score 1-1. Matheus was the next substitute used by Ziganda, before he later introduced Pierre and Joni Montiel into the fray. Both sides had chances in the end-to-end final stages. Pombo was brought down inside the box at the death, but the refereed deemed it not to have been a penalty.
Los Azules added another point to the tally today to move onto twenty for the season. The next fixture will see the team visit CD Leganés. Training for the match wil begin with an evening session on Tuesday.
