Michu heroics cannot save Oviedo from cup exit
Real Oviedo bowed out of the Copa del Rey despite two goals on his return for club favourite Michu. Michu grabbed his two goals to take the game to extra time but a deflected shot ten minutes from the end of extra time meant Los Carbayones are out.
Michu amazingly managed to play 120 minutes which was a superb achievement.
Fernando Hierro made several changes to the starting line up as there were first starts of the season for several players including Michu, Esteban & Johannesson. There was also a recall for forgotten man Jonathan Vila.
After a quiet start to the game it suddenly exploded into life midway through the first half. Edu Bedia's miss hit shot fell perfectly for Linares who prodded home from close range to give Oviedo the lead.
That lead lasted just 4 minutes though and UCAM levelled through Nono after Esteban had saved Jona's shot. On 34 minutes the home side took the lead when Albizua was allowed all the space of Murcia from a corner to nod home. It was dreadful defending from Oviedo in truth.
Just before half time and Oviedo went close to levelling but Pereira's curling effort hit the cross bar and away to safety.
Into the second half and Oviedo failed to defend a set piece properly again when Tito flung himself onto a free kick and produced a superb diving header giving Esteban no chance. Oviedo now 3-1 down had a mountain to climb. Cometh the hour though and cometh the man. With time running out as there was just 6 minutes on the clock and substitute Susaeta unleashed a 25-yard shot that was only parried. There was Michu to gobble up the rebound. It was a real strikers goal and showed the man has clearly not lost any of his predatory skills.
Even that didn’t look to be enough as we entered the third of four added minutes but Michu had other ideas. Susaeta curled in a free kick and there was Michu to rise and glance a superb header beyond Fernando to level at 3-3 and take the game into extra time.
Extra time was quiet as both teams looked tired and the first 15 minutes were incident free. With 10 minutes of extra time remaining Perez ran after a short free kick near the half way line and was allowed to run and run. He couldn’t believe the space he was offered as no one closed him down. He eventually unleashed a shot that took 2 deflections and beat the flat-footed Esteban who stood no chance.
It was a cruel goal to concede but self inflicted due to the lack of closing down.
With just 5 minutes of extra time left on the clock came a controversial moment as Oviedo should have had a penalty in a goalmouth scramble. Firstly Toche was bundled to the floor which could easily have been given but wasn’t and secondly the ball bounced up and was blatantly handled by a UCAM defender. The referee was clearly not in a mood to point to the spot and Michu was booked for his protests.
Unfortunately this was the last action and the game finished 4-3 to UCAM who progress to the next round. As for Real Oviedo we will look to get back to winning ways in the league on Sunday when Mirandes are the visitors to the Carlos Tartiere.
John Mothershaw
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