Real Oviedo so Close to La Liga Promotion After Almeria Draw
Colaboradores
Real Oviedo are on the cusp of a return to La Liga after a tense 1-1 draw with UD Almeria in the second leg of their promotion playoff. The match, held at Oviedo's Estadio Carlos Tartiere, saw the home side hold on to their aggregate lead from the first leg, which they won 2-1.
The first half was a cagey affair, with Almeria taking the lead through a Gonzalo Melero penalty in the 24th minute. The spot-kick was awarded after an Oviedo defender was deemed to have handled the ball inside the area. Melero coolly slotted the penalty home, giving Almeria the advantage and levelling the aggregate score.
However, Oviedo responded early in the second half. Veteran Santi Cazorla stepped up to take a free-kick just outside the Almeria box in the 48th minute. His expertly taken set-piece curled over the wall and into the back of the net, sending the home fans into raptures. The goal restored Oviedo's lead on aggregate and put them in a strong position to secure promotion.
Almeria pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, and they were desperately unlucky when a shot cannoned off the post in the 85th minute. Oviedo held on, however, to secure the draw and spark jubilant scenes among their supporters.
The team, managed by former Chivas and Tigres UANL coach Veljko Paunovic, are now just one step away from a return to the top flight of Spanish football. The promotion would be a significant achievement for the club and their fans, who have waited patiently for this moment.
Key Moments:
- 24th minute: Gonzalo Melero penalty gives Almeria the lead (0-1)
- 48th minute: Santi Cazorla free-kick equalises for Oviedo (1-1)
- 85th minute: Almeria shot hits the post