Valladolid 1 Real Oviedo 0

First game for Hierro ends in defeat

The Fernando Hierro regime got off to a losing start after going down to the only goal at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

Despite over 10 new signings, Hierro opted to pick just 3 of them in the starting line up. They were goalkeeper Juan Carlos, Young midfielder Lucas Torro and left-winger Nando.

There was also a familiar face in the opposition as Michel whom we had on loan last season was amongst the Valladolid substitutes.

It was Oviedo who made the brighter start of the two teams without creating any chances. Linares rather theatrical fall was the only point of note. Against the run of play the home side took the lead on 17 minutes. A hopeful ball over the top by Leao saw Jose Arnaiz get in between the 2 central defenders and despite the ball hitting him on the back, fell kindly for the striker and he scuffed a finish under Carlos. As fortunate as it was it was poor defending by Oviedo. Two minutes later and it was close to 2-0 as the aptly name Mata cut inside but curled his effort well wide. Oviedo were well in the game though and created a few chances before the half was over. Pena had a shot blocked after a cross from Fernandez and Toche's effort from the edge of the box was well saved after Linares pass had seen the 2 strikers link up well.

Oviedo upped the tempo after the break and seemed to play with more speed and moved the ball quicker. Toche had a great chance after a lobbed through ball but his effort was well saved by Becerra in the home goal. On 70 minutes Toche has another great chance. This time after a scuffed shot by substitute and debutant Jonathan Pereira the ball fell to Toche but Becerra made another top save and then bravely smothered the rebound.

Oviedo needed a bit of luck but it just wasn’t coming. With 10 minutes to go a deep Pena cross found its way to Susaeta but he was bundled off the ball and despite demanding a penalty the referee waved his complaints away. It could and probably should have been given. Fair play to Oviedo we kept going right to the end and in the 95th minute created another golden chance and again it fell to Toche. Nando whipped in a cross for the striker but his low header was weak and Becerra got down to claw it away and that was the last action of the match.

Despite the defeat there are plenty of positives to take from the game. Hierro will be looking to pick up his first victory as a manager as we play our first home game next Saturday versus Almeria.

　

John Mothershaw