Real Oviedo Close to La Liga Promotion After Thrilling Playoff Match!
Colaboradores
Real Oviedo are on the cusp of returning to La Liga after a nail-biting playoff match against UD Almeria. The second leg, held at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere, ended in a 1-1 draw, enough to see Oviedo through thanks to their 2-1 victory in the first leg.
Dramatic Match Unfolds in Oviedo
The game was filled with tension from the start. Almeria took the lead in the 24th minute through a Gonzalo Melero penalty after a handball by Oviedo's Jaime Seoane. Melero confidently converted, putting Almeria ahead 1-0 and leveling the aggregate score.
Oviedo responded early in the second half. In the 48th minute, veteran Santi Cazorla stepped up to take a free kick just outside the box. His brilliant strike sailed over the wall and past the Almeria goalkeeper, Fernando Martinez, to equalize at 1-1.
Cazorla's Experience Proves Vital
At 40 years old, Cazorla's experience and composure were crucial for Oviedo. He has been with the club for two seasons, driven by the ambition to lead them back to the top flight. After the match, Cazorla expressed his gratitude for the support he has received since returning to his boyhood club. "What I experienced today was something I imagined since I was a child... We have taken another step and are a little closer," he said.
Oviedo had a scare late in the game when Almeria hit the post in the 85th minute, but they managed to hold on for the draw. Now, they await the winner of the other semi-final between Racing and Mirandes to determine their opponent in the final playoff round.
Oviedo One Step Away From La Liga
The club are now tantalisingly close to a return to La Liga after 24 years away. This is their second consecutive season reaching the promotion playoffs, having lost in the final last year to Espanyol. Will they be able to make the most of this opportunity?
- Oviedo drew 1-1 with Almeria.
- They won the first leg 2-1.
- Santi Cazorla scored a stunning free kick.
- Oviedo await the winner of Racing vs Mirandes.