Real Oviedo travelled to face CD Castellón in the second round of the Copa del Rey today with the idea of keeping the cup dream alive. Following victory over RCD Espanyol in the league last time out, Luis Carrión opted for a starting eleven made up of Braat, Lucas, Luengo, Dani Calvo, Pomares, Camarasa, Jimmy, Sebas Moyano, Sesé, Álex Cardero and Alemão.

 

Real Oviedo approached the encounter by giving it the importance that the Copa del Rey deserves. The Asturians started strongly, and had several good chances in the opening minutes. Alemão and Sesé had two opportunities to give Los Azules the lead, but the keeper twice denied them. Following the initial threat from Los Carbayones, the match evened out, and CD Castellón settled into the game. In the 39th minute, Suero made the score 1-0 to the hosts, following some fine work by Traore down the wing, and the scoreline remained unchanged going into the halftime interval.

 

Gronning made the score 2-0 after the break, and turned the encounter into a difficult one for our team. Things didn't improve, and in the 55th minute Traore fell inside the area and was awarded a penalty. However, Braat kept out the spot kick to keep the deficit at 2-0. Moments later, Alemão gave Real Oviedo a lifeline by making it 2-1. Seoane and Colombatto came on as the Asturians looked to turn the match around, before Bastón and Masca also entered the fray. Sebas Moyano had the best chance of the second half when he met a Pomares cross, but his effort went wide. Bastón also had an opportunity on the half-turn, but the keeper was up to the challenge. Los Azules pushed forward in the final minutes, but without finding the reward of an equaliser.

Today's tough defeat saw Real Oviedo eliminated from this season's Copa del Rey. Thoughts now turn to Sunday's important fixture against Racing de Santander at El Sardinero.