Real Oviedo was unable to score during their visit to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where they fell 2-0 to Atlético de Madrid in the match corresponding to the 14th round of the league championship. A very effective start by the red-and-white team set the course of a game that, despite the good start by the blues in the second half, was decided from the early stages.
Atlético imposed their dominance in the first half. The high pressing and the speed in Simeone's team's play made it difficult for Oviedo to build up play, as they struggled to settle in the opponent's half. Sorloth, very active and accurate, scored a brace in just ten minutes: first in the 16th minute, finishing off a great combination play, and again in the 26th minute, taking advantage of a cross into the area that he finished with his left foot. With the 2-0 scoreline, the match clearly leaned in favor of the home side.
Oviedo tried, but only managed to trouble Oblak with a header from Viñas that the goalkeeper caught without difficulty.
The second half showed a better version of the Oviedo team. Luis Carrión's men stepped up, gained ground, and played for many minutes in the red-and-white half. Chances came, but neither Viñas nor Rondón managed to convert their shots, both of which went wide. The negative note was Carmo's injury, forcing him to leave the field and be replaced by Calvo.
With the score in their favor, Atlético slowed down and focused on controlling the pace of the game. Even so, Oviedo brought fresh legs from the bench with the introductions of Ovie, Forés, Reina, and Ilic, looking for a goal to get them back into the match. The clearest chance in the final stretch, however, came for the home side: Simeone found himself one-on-one with Aarón, who made a superb save against the Argentine's chip.
There was no time for more. Real Oviedo tried but returned empty-handed from the Metropolitano after a match marked by Atlético's early firepower. Now, the blues are already thinking about the next round, where they will face Mallorca at the Carlos Tartiere.
