Real Oviedo today played their final preseason friendly of the summer, coming up against SD Ponferradina in the 33rd edition of the Trofeo de la Villa de Grado. Head Coach Álvaro Cervera opted for a starting eleven made up of Braat, Charbel, Dani Calvo, Marco Esteban, Bretones, Yayo, Javi Mier, Romario Ibarra, Hugo Rama, Alemão and Masca.
The Asturians emerged the stronger side for the encounter, and Hugo Rama sent a warning shot which was blocked in just the 5th minute. Los Carbayones continued to dominate the match, and in the 10th minute Alemão grabbed his first goal for the club. The Brazilian forward made the most of a loose ball inside the area to finish perfectly and make the score 1-0. Real Oviedo's superiority was evident, and Masca went close to a second a few minutes later, but his effort from a one-on-one went over the bar.
Despite Cervera's team being on top, Ponferradina would receive the chance to level the scoring after the referee awarded them a penalty. However, Braat saved the spot kick to preserve Los Azules' lead.
Álex Cardero came on during the interval in place of Javi Mier and he would go close to converting a fine effort just a few minutes into the second half. Some fine individual play from the academy product would end in him clipping the crossbar from a chipped effort. Alemão and Masca both had further attempts on goal, but the second goal did not arrive. Paulino, Sebas, Jimmy, Bastón, Mario Hernández, and Luengo would all also feature during the final stages of the second half.
Just when it appeared that the Trofeo Villa de Grado would be coming to the Asturian capital, SD Ponferradina equalised in the 86th minute, taking the match to penalties. Los Azules would emerge victorious from the shootout, lifting the trophy in the final preseason friendly of the summer.
