Racing Ferrol 0 Real Oviedo 1

Real Oviedo move a step close to the play offs

Real Oviedo record superb away victory

Real Oviedo produced a fine display at A Malata to keep up the pressure on the teams above them and move a step closer to the play offs. A second half penalty from in form Nestor Susata was the difference in Los Carbayones 1-0 success.

Coach Roberto Robles kept faith with the same starting 11 from last weeks thumping win over Celta B apart from 1 enforced change with Sergio Rodriguez replacing the suspended Sergio Diaz at left back.

This was a meeting of the league’s second best home team versus the leagues best away team so a lot was expected from both teams.

In a game billed by most visiting supporters as must win, it was the visitors who made the brighter start. On 7 minutes Oviedo won a corner which was whipped in by Susaeta but Pardo’s glancing header went wide of the far post. Oviedo were pressing high up the pitch not allowing their hosts to settle, although they did manage to break out on 18 minutes and create their best chance of the half. Pablo Rey slipped a ball through for Marcos Alvarez but Pol had read the danger and came out to save well.

Susaeta was again in the action, firing a free kick in but it was straight at Mackay in the Ferrol goal.

On 37 minutes as the away side were in control Suszaeta fired in another corner and it was Sene at the near post this time but he couldn’t divert his header goal wards and it went over the bar.

The best chance of the game arrived just 2 minutes before the interval when a break from Garcia and Annunziata found them clean through. Garcia found Annunziata with the pass but instead of shooting Annunziata unselfishly looked to return the ball to his partner by which time Ferrol had regrouped and managed to clear the danger.

The second half got under in what was a crucial 45 minutes of the season for Los Carbayones. It was the home side though who were first to threaten. Diego Vela burst down the left before cutting inside and was about to get his shot away but thankfully David Fenandez managed to get his body in the way with a great block and the ball went away for a corner.

That seemed to kick start the visitors into action though and 10 minutes into the second half Oviedo nearly took the lead. Again Susaeta was involved curling in a free kick which Pardo managed to poke goal wards but the ball struck Mackay in the face before bouncing to the floor and into the grateful keepers arms. It was a let off for the home side who were beginning to come under pressure as the visitors were getting more and more possession. On 67 minute’s came the key moment in the game when Sergio Garcia  burst into the box and nicked the ball past centre back Perez but the defender couldn’t resist sticking out a leg and tripped Garcia. It was a mistimed clumsy challenge and a definite penalty. Up stepped Susaeta to send the keeper the wrong way and give Oviedo a fully deserved lead.

The last 20 minutes were to be a test of Oviedo’s resolve as Ferrol attempted to get back into the game. Vela went close with an effort from the edge of the box but hit the side netting.

The real scare though came 5 minutes from time when Pablo Rey fired a free kick from fully 35 yards. Pol was beaten but fortunately the ball struck the crossbar bounced down onto the line and away to safety. It must be said Oviedo had earned their luck as we were the better team for the vast majority of this match and an equaliser would have been harsh.

In the last minute Oviedo had the chance to wrap the game up. Sene did well down the left before finding substitute Diego Cervero in the box, he teed up fellow substitute Salva Rivas who blazed his shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

The full time whistle sounded and it was fair to say Roberto Robles was absolutely jubilant. You could see what this result meant to him, the coaching staff, players and fans alike. We have 2 matches remaining, both home games beginning next week with the visit of Sporting Gijon B. Another massive, must win game.