Mirandes 0 Real Oviedo 2

Away run of defeats comes to an end

Real Oviedo put an end to their run of five successive defeats with a perfect away performance at the Estadio Municipal de Anduva. Goals midway through each half from Saul Berjon and David Costas did the damage.

Fernando Hierro handed a first full start to Borja Dominguez and there was also a place on the bench for fit again Michu. This meant another run in midfield for Jonathan Vila however this came to an end on 17 minutes when he limped off injured and was replaced by Real Madrid loanee Lucas Torro.

Real Oviedo took the lead four minutes after this and it was a first goal from new man Saul Berjon. He hit a low drive from just inside the area that seemed to take a slight deflection. This also seemed to flatfoot the goalkeeper Gutierrez who somehow let the ball squirm under his body and into the back of the net.

It was the perfect start for Oviedo after falling behind in so many recent away games. This clearly boosted the player’s confidence as we kept on attacking. We nearly made it 2-0 on the half hour mark when Berjon released Toche but the striker’s effort was well saved by Gutierrez. Berjon's follow up was also blocked but by covering player Guarrotxena.

Mirandes started the second half brightly and were bombarding the Oviedo penalty area from both flanks with numerous crosses into the box. Juan Carlos and the Oviedo defence were standing firm though. Against the run of play we got the killer second goal on 62 minutes. Mirandes failed to clear a Susaeta free kick into the box and there was David Costas on hand from near the penalty spot to slide in a low drive for his second goal in two matches. It was a striker’s finish from the on loan Celta defender.

Mirandes nearly hit back on 67 minutes when Guarrotxena unleashed a ferocious drive that Carlos tipped onto the crossbar. Much to the annoyance of the home crowd the referee missed the fingertip save and awarded a goal kick. Oviedo still had to deal with several more crosses into the box but dealt with them well to produce the perfect defensive performance and three much needed points to lift us back into the play off positions as we now lie fifth. Next week we play Getafe at the Carlos Tartiere in a huge clash.

　

John Mothershaw