The NMR Carlos Tartiere today hosted Matchday 31 in LaLiga SmartBank for Real Oviedo, who welcomed Ponferradina to Asturias. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ziganda's side were back at home today after drawing away against the league leaders last time out. The Asturians went into today's encounter hoping to get the win and add the finishing touch to a week full of Oviedismo and acts to mark the club's 95th Anniversary. Los Azules pushed for victory right up until the final whistle, but it wasn't to be.
Mossa and Borja Valle came in as the only changes as Real Oviedo lined up for this afternoon's fixture with Femenías; Juanjo Nieto, Arribas, Grippo, Mossa; Sangalli, Edgar, Tejera, Borja Sánchez; Borja Valle and Blanco Leschuk. However, the side found itself trailing inside the opening minutes, as Ponferradina took the lead virtually from the kick-off. Ziganda's side had to come from behind following the setback of the early goal. They were made to feel uncomfortable in the early stages as the visitors dominated the play. Femenías made a fine save to prevent the away team from doubling their lead. Real Oviedo began to fight back just before the break, winning the ball back and looking to switch it from one wing to the other and open gaps between Ponferradina's lines. Borja Valle and Edgar fired the first warning shots, before the latter did manage to equalise. The Catalan headed home from the edge of the box from a Tejera free kick, and the two sides went in for halftime with the score 1-1.
The game became more even after the interval, developing into an end-to-end match, full of collisions and physical battles for the ball. Rodri and Christian Fernández came on in place of Blanco Leschuk and Arribas, with the latter being forced off through injury. An involuntary handball by Christian Fernández following a rebound in the area was initially deemed a penalty, before referee Vicandi Garrido overturned his decision after consulting VAR. Obeng and Javi Mier entered the fray in the final minutes, as the side from the capital of Asturias sought to find a winner. The hosts had several opportunities to steal the three points, but were unable to convert.
The points were shared today at the NMR Carlos Tartiere, where Real Oviedo kept going until the final whistle and were perhaps hard done by in only winning one point. There is no break for the Asturians, who will tomorrow begin to work towards Tuesday's game against Alcorcón.