A Point Which Feels Like Scant Reward Against the League Leaders

Real Oviedo were back at the Carlos Tartiere this Saturday for their latest league fixture. Los Azules, who used the day to celebrate their 97th anniversary, were up against SD Eibar in Matchday 34 in LaLiga SmartBank. Álvaro Cervera opted for a starting eleven made up of Braat, Lucas, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Abel Bretones, Borja Sánchez, Montoro, Luismi, Viti, Hugo Rama and Borja Bastón.

 

Álvaro Cervera's team knew that they were in for a difficult match today against the league leaders, but looked to impose their style of play from the outset and carry the weight of the game, in order to provide their fans with a victory. The opening stages were very even, but in the 19th minute Montoro would have the first clear opportunity of the encounter. The midfielder fired in a fine effort from the edge of the box, but his effort was deflected onto the crossbar.

 

The Asturians were well-positioned out on the pitch, but in the 22nd minute Borja Bastón was forced off by injury, with Sergi Enrich coming on in his place. The enforced change did not change Real Oviedo's plans, and Los Carbayones continued to threaten with crosses from Borja Sánchez and Viti Rozada. Eibar looked to capitalise on mistakes from the hosts, but Braat was not forced into much work during the opening 45 minutes.

 

Los Azules stepped up a gear after the interval, and Abel Bretones would go close with a venomous effort from the edge of the box which went over the bar. However, shortly afterwards the visitors would open the scoring from an unfortunate passage of play, which saw Rahmani fire home following a series of rebounds. Despite the setback, Real Oviedo did not have to wait long for a response, with Enrich levelling the scores just three minutes later. The striker headed home perfectly from a great Borja Sánchez cross to bring a more just look to the scoreboard. The goal provided Álvaro Cervera's team with a morale boost, and they would be relentless in their search for a winning goal.

 

In the 70th minute Borja Sánchez would go close to adding a second goal on the counter attack, but his shot went wide. Eibar were not able to gain control of the ball, and the final 20 minutes were marked by relentless Real Oviedo attacks. Bretones, Raúl Moro, and Camarasa had the best opportunities for the Asturians at the death, but the winning goal did not quite arrive.

 

Today saw a good performance from Álvaro Cervera's team against the league leaders, with Los Azules ultimately deserving more.