Real Oviedo went into the first of the remaining four 'cup finals' at the end of this season, fully aware of the importance of picking up three points to move away from the relegation places. Juanjo Nieto and Yoel Bárcenas came back into the team, while Cuco Ziganda also made his usual rotations, bringing in Grippo, Sangalli, Luismi and Ortuño.
Los Azules tried to take control of the game right from the early stages of the first half, entering the match with more spark and having the better of the chances. Yoel Bárcenas sent a warning shot just a few minutes after kick off, but the ball went wide of the goal. Los Azules continued to attempt to open the scoring, putting together some good moves in the opposition half. Sergio Tejera picked out Ortuño with a wonderful long pass. The forward's fantastic control set him up perfectly to lift the ball over Valles. The teams went in for halftime with the score 1-0.
Los Carbayones reemerged for the second half with more intensity than their opponent, laying siege to the Las Palmas goal. Borja and Sangalli both tried to beat the Las Palmas keeper, but both times the ball went out for corners. After several ricochets from one of the corners, Sangalli fired home to make the score 2-0 to Cuco Ziganda's side. The visitors did manage to cut the deficit, but Los Azules did not let their heads drop and continued to create danger. Sangalli had two opportunities, while Rodri also had the chance to extend the lead for the Asturians.
These were three golden points for Los Azules in their battle for survival. They will continue their fight on Sunday, when they face Zaragoza at La Romareda.
