A Step Closer to the Dream

Real Oviedo beat RCD Espanyol 1-0 at the Carlos Tartiere today to take the advantage in the playoff final, and move one step closer to the dream of promotion to the First Division. A second-half goal from Alemão was enough to break the deadlock and enable Los Carbayones to enjoy a a fantastic afternoon at the Carlos Tartiere, with 29,297 supporters in attendance.

 

Paulino de la Fuente came into the starting eleven in the only change from the team that had lined up against Eibar at Ipurúa this Wednesday. The first 45 minutes today were an even affair, but Real Oviedo had the two best opportunities through Alemão and Seoane. In the 16th minute the Brazilian forward muscled his way through to go one-on-one with the keeper, but his effort was off-target.

The visitors also got forward and threatened, but were unable to find a way through. On the brink of half-time, Seoane met a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his low strike grazed the upright. His shot was the final chance of a first half in which both sides had chances and in which an injury to Paulino was the worst piece of news.

After the break Bretones and Masca came on in place of Sebas Moyano and Pomares. Carrión's side stepped up the tempo right from the first minute of the second half, while Espanyol sat back more. A lovely flick from Alemão sent Masca clean through, but the Portuguese striker's powerful left-foot shot was kept out by the keeper.

The Asturians' persistence would pay off, and in the 72nd minute Alemão sent the Tartiere crowd wild. The forward capitalised on a loose ball inside the area following a free kick to make the score 1-0. Now with the lead, Real Oviedo continued to push forward and look to double the advantage. In the 80th minute Masca found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

RCD Espanyol looked to push on in the final stages in search of an equaliser, but Real Oviedo maintained their defensive solidity and protected the 1-0 lead. Los Azules took a huge step in the battle for promotion, and the dream is becoming more and more real. Next up we have 90 minutes in Barcelona, where we will have to battle with pride, courage, and determination.