A Performance Worthy of Greater Reward

Real Oviedo only claimed a point against CD Tenerife, on a night on which they more than deserved a victory. They dominated their opponent over the course of the match, but failed to make the most of some chances which would have sealed the victory, irrespective of the refereeing.

Anquela made two changes to the starting eleven, with Rocha and Mossa replacing Pucko and Christian Fernández. Real Oviedo produced a fine first half; defending solidly, dominating possession, and creating chances. The first chance arrived within the first minute, with Folch meeting Mossa’s left-wing cross at the back post, but just putting his attempt over the bar. In the twentieth minute, Saúl Berjón showed his quality to open the scoring, controlling the through ball and slotting past the away goalkeeper from the one-on-one. Toché went close to a second as his right-footed effort grazed the upright. Aarón Ñíguez tried his luck from a free kick, but the Tenerife goalkeeper tipped it around the post for a corner. The final chance of the half fell to Cotugno, whose potent shot from outside the box was denied with some difficulty by the goalkeeper. Aarón was then denied a stonewall penalty, as he was brought down by Raúl Cámara in the box, and the incident went unpunished.

Real Oviedo emerged for the second half and immediately went in search of the second. Saúl had a great chance to increase the lead straight from the kick-off, but injury to Verdés led to the introduction of Valentini, and changed the dynamic of the early stages of the second half. Tenerife also mmade a change, and gradually increased their presence in attack. Juan Villar managed to score a “golazo” in one of their few attacks on Juan Carlos’ goal, firing home a cross on the half volley for the equaliser. A clear foul on Toché in the build up to the goal was not awarded. Real Oviedo fought to the end, but could not achieve a better result than a draw. The large crowd at the Carlos Tartiere applauded their players off the field, while demonstrating their anger at the officials.