Just One Step Away From a Return to Primera

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A step away from glory. A fine Santi Cazorla free kick at the start of the second half levelled the scoring after Almería had earlier taken the lead, and was enough to take Real Oviedo through to the playoff final. The crowd at the Carlos Tartiere went wild at the final whistle as the promotion dream moved closer than ever.

Aarón Escandell, Nacho Vidal, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Rahim, Sibo, Colombatto, Seoane, Chaira, Hassan, and Alemao made up Real Oviedo's starting eleven. Los Azules' advantage from the first leg meant that the visitors had to give it everything from the first minute, and they got the reward for their persistence. A handball from Seoane in the first half allowed Melero to make the score 1-0 from the penalty spot. The Andalusians had more of the possession during the first half, and went in for the interval with the lead.

Cazorla came on for Seoane at halftime and the response was immediate. The midfielder won a free kick before firing home a wonderful free kick to send the Tartiere into raptures. Viñas came on in place of Alemão and in the 77th minute the Uruguayan forward had a goal disallowed due to a Rahim offside in the build-up. Real Oviedo continued to push for a second goal, with Hassan a constant threat on the ball. During the final stages, Almería gave it everything and struck the woodwork twice. Nonetheless, Los Carbayones stood strong and knew how to hold on and earn a place in the playoff final for the second year running.

The team will go back to work at 11:30 tomorrow, as preparations begin for the playoff final.

Match summary