Matchday 28 in LaLiga SmartBank took Real Oviedo to Catalonia to face RCD Espanyol, in what was the Asturians' first ever trip to the RCDE Stadium.
Femenías; Juanjo Nieto, Grippo, Bolaño, Lucas; Sangalli, Edgar, Tejera, Borja Sánchez; Javi Mier and Rodri Ríos was the starting eleven selected by Ziganda to face one of the teams up at the top of the table tonight, and the Asturians would improve as the match progressed. The first half saw Espanyol emerge the stronger of the two sides and take advantage of one of their first opportunities. The hosts managed to convert from the rebound after Joan Femenías parried a Raúl de Tomás effort. After the goal and from about the twentieth minute onwards, Los Azules fought back, beginning to take control of the ball and pushing further on. A VAR check saw Didac Vila dismissed for a straight red card, with the Catalans going down to ten men. Real Oviedo used the numerical advantage to push further up the pitch, dominating the final minutes of the half, but they were unable to convert any of their chances.
The second half closely resembled the first 45 minutes. Vicente Moreno's side once again began the half more strongly, but Real Oviedo started to win the ball back and take control of the game. Particularly important were Ziganda's substitutions; first bringing on Borja Valle, and then Blanco Leschuk and Nahuel Leiva. The latter would provide the equaliser from a fine counter attack, firing home a screamer from outside the box into the top corner. With the scores now level, the match became end-to-end, with both teams seeking to find the winner, but they were unable to break the deadlock. Samu Obeng and Mossa came on in Real Oviedo's final changes
This point means that Los Carbayones have now taken eight points from the last twelve available. The next fixture will see Los Azules face Leganés at the NMR Carlos Tartiere, with kick-off at 20:30 on Sunday.
