El Toralín Stadium, 2,500 spectators. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross.
*SD Ponferradina:* Gianfranco; Son, Ríos Reina, Jon García, Míchel Zabaco, Óscar Sielva, Isi, Jorge García, Pablo Espina, Yuri and Matthieu. Subs used: David Gómez, David Lorenzo, Trigueros, Moli, Joaquín, Saúl, Andrés, Dani Pichín, David Grande, Alejandro Lorenzo,and Diego Santín.
* Real Oviedo:* A. Herrero; Lucas, Forlín, Javi Hernández, Mossa; Folch, Tejera, Boateng; Aarón Ñíguez, Saúl Berjón and Steven. Subs used: Champagne, Johannesson, Carlos Hernández, Toché, Yoel Bárcenas, Lobato, Javi Muñoz, Prendes, Asier, Edu Cortina and Borja.
Real Oviedo played their third friendly match of preseason on a hot and sunny evening in Ponferrada and can blame their tired performance on their intense preseason training sessions. They didn’t seem fresh, although they did try to keep control of possession. Their performance was most notable for a strong defensive effort. The first half saw many of those reserve team players that are currently completing the preseason with the first team involved. Anquela tried to make use of width from the first whistle, and once again opted for Steven at centre forward. The early attacks came from Ponferradina, who started the match strongly, but didn’t create too much danger. After a few minutes Real Oviedo began to gain possession of the ball, although they lacked energy in attack. One attack by Aarón ended up as a goal-kick, and another set piece led to no attempt on goal. There was just one good passage of play between Mossa, Saúl and Boateng, which saw the attacking midfielder’s effort cleared by the home defence. The defence maintained their focus and dealt with the attacks from the home team. Two attempts sailed harmlessly into the hands of Alfonso Herrero, without causing any danger for Real Oviedo. Aarón Ñíguez left the pitch with a knock on the brink of half-time and was replaced by Johannesson.
Anquela changed almost the entire team for the second half, with the only exceptions being the two players on the right wing; Lucas at right back and Johannesson at right wing. Yoel Bárcenas came on for his debut in the 62nd minute of the match, entering the fray on the wing in place of Lucas, with Johannesson moving back to right back. His attempt from a rebound from a free kick was cleared for a corner by the defence. Toché was next to try his luck, as he tried to nod in Borja Sánchez’s cross, but the defence anticipated his effort. A good run by Johannesson on the wing ended with a foul to the side of the area. Carlos Hernández met Asier’s free kick but headed wide. Ponferradina had the best chances of the final few minutes, and they put Champagne to the test. The Argentine goalkeeper kept out a cross-shot just before the final whistle, meaning the match ended in a goalless draw.
The team left Ponferrada with a draw, having accumulated a lot more minutes and kept a clean sheet. The next training session will be tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at El Requexón.
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