Real Oviedo top off fantastic 2015
Real Oviedo rounded off a superb year with a 1-0 win over bottom of the league Almeria in a victory that lifts us up to third place, just two points behind the top two.
Coach Egea made just one change from last weeks smash and grab at Mirandes with Borja Valle coming in to replace Aguirre.
Before the game there was a special moment on the pitch where fans got a chance to say goodbye to David Generelo who recently announced the sad news he has failed to recover from his injuries and has retired from the game with immediate effect. We here at Real Oviedo Ireland would like to thank David for his services at the club, especially in that famous day in Cadiz back in May and wish him all the best in his next career move.
Almeria arrived bottom of the table but started the game brightly taking the game to their hosts. Esteban was called into action against his former club after just five minutes keeping out Soriano's header from Zongo's right wing cross. It was a super stop from the veteran keeper.
Real Oviedo took the lead with their first attack in the game. After winning a corner, Susaeta whipped in a out swinging delivery and there was the man of the moment Toche to bullet home a fantastic header. It was the striker’s seventh goal of what is becoming a good season.
A few minutes later and he nearly grabbed another. Jon Erice played a ball over the defence and there was Toche again but this time his effort was tipped over the bar superbly by Julian. Midway through the first half and it was Susaeta's turn to go close. After a great run down the right by Johannesson, the ball wss played back to Susaeta but his effort cannoned back off the crossbar. It was so unlucky and great to see the right winger and right backs partnership flourishing. Almeria were shell-shocked and took until the half hour mark to venture forward again when Reyes fired just wide from 25 yards.
It was Oviedo though who came closest to scoring again before half time when Toche's effort was blocked by Julian after good work from Kone.
Into the second half and there was little in the way of goalmouth action until the final 20 minutes despite the frantic nature of the game. Aguirre was bought down on the 70 minute mark inside the area by Almeria keeper Julian but amazingly the referee waved play on. It was a bizarre decision as it looked a stonewall penalty. Aguirre should have made the game safe on 83 minutes when he again rounded the keeper but didn’t catch his shot properly and the ball went harmlessly wide.
Almeria gave Oviedo a scare in the final minute of added on time as they desperately sought an equaliser. After a long throw caused a bit of panic in the Oviedo penalty area the ball broke to former Aston Villa, Sunderland & Rangers defender Carlos Cuellar who shot left footed but there was Esteban to dive full stretch and turn the ball round the post and the referee immediately blew for full time. Esteban then roared to the crowd to show his emotion at such an important and wonderful victory.
This game wraps up a outstanding year for Real Oviedo. This time last season we were top of the Segunda B but promotion was by no means a certainty. A year on and we are in with a real chance of making it back-to-back promotions and a return to the promised land of La Liga.
Our next game is on Sunday 3rd January when we travel to face Leganes.
Hala Oviedo!
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