Eight points from the last twelve available, and with room still to improve. Real Oviedo managed to gain a point in the always difficult Montilivi Stadium, keeping a clean sheet against Girona, and thus prolonged their unbeaten streak to four weeks.
Real Oviedo had studied the complicated playing style of their opposition in detail and Fernando Hierro opted for continuity, with the only change to the starting eleven being enforced due to injury to Héctor Verdés. The main action of the early period of the match was the first yellow cards shown by Galician referee Pérez Pallas, before a couple of chances for either side. Michu had the clearest opportunity, firing over the bar from the edge of the box. Minutes later, Linares set up Toché, putting a ball into the danger area, but the forward diverted his shot wide. Juan Carlos meanwhile had to be at his best to tip a set piece effort from the hosts wide for a corner kick.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, and Fernando Hierro chose to wait before making any substitutions. During this time, Linares had Real Oviedo’s clearest chance. The forward poked a long ball goalwards from the left hand side, but couldn’t find the target. Juan Carlos was then called into action to keep out another Girona set piece, which were
proving to be the main threat provided by the home side. Susaeta, Edu Bedia and Nando were brought on from the bench, and the last minutes called for an impeccable defensive effort from Real Oviedo, who earned the point through dedication and hard work.
The team will return to Asturias tomorrow and will recommence training on Monday at 17:00, at El Requexón.
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