A Statement Win Which Allows Us to Keep Dreaming

Real Oviedo went into Matchday 34 in LaLiga Hypermotion with the possibility of moving into a playoff position, as they visited the Martínez Valero in a vital match against promotion rivals Elche CF. Having picked up three crucial points against Villarreal B last time out, Luis Carrión’s side went into the encounter with excitement and aware of what a victory would mean. Despite the injury absences of Cazorla and Dubasin, the Coach was able to select a strong starting eleven made up of Leo Román, Viti, Oier Luengo, Dani Calvo, Abel Bretones, Luismi, Colombatto, Seoane, Masca, Sebas Moyano and Alemão.

 

Both teams were conscious of what was at stake today, and the encounter was very even in both boxes. The hosts kept possession of the ball, while Real Oviedo looked to break quickly on the counter attack, and the first opportunity for the Asturians would come from one such passage of play. Alemão went close from a one-on-one with Dituro, but he was unable to convert, and, in any case, there had been a foul in the build-up.

 

Following this first warning shot in the 10th minute, just three minutes later Colombatto made the most of his opportunity to give Los Azules the lead. The 1-0 away advantage made it a perfect start for our boys at one of the toughest grounds in the division. The home team stuck to their game plan, dominating the possession and with Tete Morente dictating the play. Despite the pressure, Leo Román was not forced into any great action, and Los Carbayones stood strong. Just before the interval, Masca came close to doubling the advantage with a header, but his effort went just wide.

 

After the interval Real Oviedo had two clear chances to extend their lead. Alemão was the first to go close, but he was denied by a fine save from the home keeper after going through one-on-one. The Brazilian forward, who was a constant threat for the home backline, played Masca through a few minutes later, but the Portuguese attacker’s effort was kept out once more by Dituro.

 

Luis Carrión’s team’s defensive solidity remained exceptional, and Elche CF could not find the equaliser. In the 77th minute Leo Román was forced into a double stop to deny one of the home team’s best opportunities and to keep the score at 1-0. Jimmy, Paulino de la Fuente, and Álex Millán came on during the second half as the team looked to hold onto the result and secure a vital victory during this final stage of the campaign.

 

Another fine intervention by Leo Román from a Borja Garcés header prevented the home team from levelling in the 83rd minute. Then, in stoppage time, Paulino de la Fuente added a second goal to seal the victory on the counter attack. Real Oviedo provided a statement win today, moving into the playoff places for the first time this season.

 

Today’s outstanding performance from Luis Carrión’s team saw Real Oviedo secure three crucial points and keep the Oviedistas dreaming as we head into the final eight matches of the LaLiga Hypermotion season.