Almeria 3 Real Oviedo 1

Oviedo let lead slip to slide to defeat

Relegation threatened Almeria put a huge dent in Real Oviedo's promotion hopes as they came from behind to beat Los Carbayones at the Estadio Mediterraneos.

In a game which had huge implications at both ends of the table it was Oviedo who had the first chance and it fell to Borja Valle when he was allowed time and space in the area to chest down and volley goal wards from a corner but Casto in the home goal saved well.

Argentinean Ramirez had Almeria's first effort from the edge of the area but his effort went well wide. Midway through the first half and Toche had 2 chances. Firstly a half chance with is left foot but his effort went wide of the far post. His next chance was better though and was on his preferred right foot but he shot straight at the keeper from a slight angle.

The best effort of the first half came from Jon Erice, fresh from his recent goal. He unleashed a 30-yard effort but Castro produced a flying fingertip save to tip the ball onto the crossbar and away to safety. It was great play all round. Fran Velez headed a corner over for the hosts but it was Oviedo who were the better side in the first half but didn’t have anything to show for it.

That statistic changed on 59 minutes when Linares headed the visitors in front, moments after going down wanting a penalty in the area. A good move between Fernandes and Michel resulted in the latter whipping in a cross and there was Linares who had escaped his man to nod excellently beyond Casto. It was the goal Oviedo deserved.

This was in all honesty a comfortable away performance until the 66 minute mark when the game completely turned. Neat play down the left resulted in a cross into the area. Oviedo failed to clear and Quique acrobatically hooked in the loose ball to bring the home side level.

This seemed to bring the home side and the home crowd to life and they looked different team. Mino on 75 minutes was called into action when he produced a stunning save with his legs to deny substitute Chuli. It really was a wonderful save from the Oviedo keeper and should have been the wake up call we needed. However just 3 minutes later and Mino was beaten again. Durbarbier hooked a ball through to Uche who controlled and beat Mino and the turnaround was complete.

Oviedo looked shell-shocked and a beaten side. Chuli made it 3-1 on 88 minutes when he latched onto Quique's neat flick and beat Mino to rub salt into Oviedo's wounds. Quique himself nearly added a fourth in stoppage time but Mino kept the ball out.

The final whistle sounded and the hosts were ecstatic. They have a 6-pointer against Llagostera in midweek which could cement their safety. As for Oviedo we finish the weekend one place outside the play offs. We have 3 games left now all against fellow promotion rivals. Luckily 2 of these games are at home beginning on Thursday night when Leganes visit the Carlos Tartiere. This you feel is almost certainly a must win game for Oviedo.

Hala Oviedo!