Real Oviedo started the year with ambition at Mendizorroza. Almada's team faced their first commitment of 2026 with the clear intention of securing three points and taking a firm step towards their goal of staying in the league. In a match marked by the intense cold in Vitoria, the blue team came out determined, focused, and with personality, delivering a notable first half in which they only lacked the reward of a goal.

From the opening whistle, Oviedo took control of the game and dominated play, especially during the first 35 minutes. The clearest chance came right at the start when Costas rose to meet a corner and his powerful header crashed against the crossbar. Shortly after, Viñas had a clear one-on-one opportunity but failed to convert, missing a golden chance to put the Carbayones ahead. Oviedo's dominance translated into constant attacks and a sense of danger around the home team's goal.

The Oviedo side came close to scoring again just before halftime, in a scrappy play inside the box where a loose ball fell to Reina in the six-yard box. The midfielder hesitated in his finish, and Sibera managed to catch the ball. For Deportivo Alavés, the most dangerous chance of the first half came from a shot from the edge of the box that also hit the crossbar, leaving Aarón Scandell unable to intervene. With no goals but good sensations, Oviedo went into halftime.

After the break, the persistence of the first half paid off with a goal from Viñas. A great team play was finished by the Uruguayan to make it 0-1. The striker had a chance for a second goal a few minutes later in a one-on-one with Sivera, but the goalkeeper managed to save it. Oviedo's lack of finishing once again held them back, as they went from doubling their lead to seeing Boyé score a stunning free-kick to level the match. 

With the score at 1-1, Viñas received a second yellow card, leaving the team with ten men. Aarón Escandell prevented a second goal with two good saves against Alavés' attacks, as they took advantage of their numerical superiority. Protesoni also received a second yellow card in the 88th minute, leaving both teams with ten players. 

There was no time for more, and Oviedo left Mendizorroza with just one point despite having the clearest chances of the match.