Cadiz 0 Real Oviedo 2

Massive away win for Oviedo

Real Oviedo returned to Cadiz, the scene of the their famous promotion and returned victorious with 3 points to grab their first away win in 10 months.

The damage was done in the first half as Toche and Linares grabbed the goals as Oviedo ran out comfortable winners.

Fernando Hierro made more changes from the side that lost to Reus in midweek. Hector Verdes and Carlos Pena came into defence in place of Varela and the hero from our last trip to Cadiz, David Fernandez. Also recalled were Linares, Nando and Lucas Torro in place of Michu, Susaeta and Edu Bedia with David Rocha also keeping his place.

It was Oviedo who created the first chance when Toche latched onto a through ball but shot tamely from the edge of the box and it was easy for Cifuentes in the home goal. Cadiz started to impose themselves on the game with a good spell for 10 minutes as they bombarded the Oviedo box with high balls and set pieces into the area. Oviedo coped with the pressure well. Only Aridane had a chance but dragged his effort wide for the hosts.

It was proving to be a high intensity game with a noisy atmosphere being created by the home fans but it was Oviedo who took the lead. David Rocha's corner was nodded down by Hector Verdes to Toche who inside the 6-yard box swivelled and volleyed home to give Oviedo the lead. It was a great strikers finish and just what the visitors wanted.

Six minutes later and it was two. Once again Toche was involved. He fired a low cross into the area and there was Linares to tap home in typical predatory fashion. It was a dream start for Oviedo and the positive approach was paying off. Cadiz players were stunned but their fans kept going urging the team on. Abel had a chance to reduce the arrears ten minutes before the interval but his volley lacked conviction and was easy for Juan Carlos.

Oviedo nearly added a 3rd just before the break when Nando went on a weaving run down the left but his effort was saved to keep the score to 2-0 at half time.

Cadiz had the first chance after half time but Brian's free kick went narrowly wide. Real Oviedo in truth though were controlling the game and frustrating their hosts who must be sick of the sight of us by now. Toche could and probably should have made the game safe just after the hour mark when he met Nando's inch perfect cross but the striker’s header was off target. Cadiz were getting more and more frustrated and resorted to long range efforts. Substitute Guiza went closest as his 25-yarder just cleared Juan Carlos’s crossbar. Just as the game was petering out there was a sudden influx of controversy probably to do with the referee being overshadowed by Oviedo's superb performance? We all know referee's have a tendency to be the centre of attention and it appears today’s was no different. First he produced a straight red for Jon Erice for what will go down as an elbow. The truth was it was no more than an accidental arm that caught Alvaro Garcia. The referee was adamant it was intentional and off went the Oviedo skipper. Two minutes later and he then produced another straight red. This time for Eddy of Cadiz for a challenge on Lucas Torro. It did appear a little reckless but it was Eddy's trailing leg that caught the on loan Real Madrid youngster. Both reds were in truth very harsh but that was the last action of the game and Real Oviedo recorded a much needed and thoroughly deserved victory. Next week we are back at the Carlos Tartiere for the first of two successive home matches against Numancia.

　

John Mothershaw