Real Oviedo welcomed Girona to the Carlos Tartiere for Matchday 7 in LaLiga SmartBank this Sunday evening. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with the referee choosing to send off Samuel Obeng in the final minutes of the encounter.
In front of 9,163 fans, the highest attendance so far this season, Cuco Ziganda opted for a starting eleven made up of Femenías; Lucas, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Pierre Cornud; Viti, Brugman, Jimmy, Borja Sánchez; Borja Bastón and Obeng. The team put in a professional performance, full of commitment and intensity.
Girona emerged the stronger side for the first half, although Real Oviedo gained ground little by little. The visitors took control of the ball, but the Asturians were very well organised at the back and began to press the Catalan side higher up the pitch. The hosts looked to quick transitions in play to open up Girona's defence, and began to create opportunities. Viti, Obeng, Borja Bastón and Dani Calvo had the best chances before the break, but none of them were able to convert to give Real Oviedo the lead, and the two teams went in for halftime with the scores 0-0.
Real Oviedo came out stronger at the start of the second half, threatening the away side's goal right from the start. Girona tried to gain control of the ball once more, but the team from the capital of Asturias were switched on defensively to deal with the Catalan threat. Ziganda looked to freshen up the centre of the midfield by bringing on Javi Mier and Luismi, and he would later turn to Jirka and Pombo. The final change saw Mossa replace the injured Pierre Cornud. The game ended in Samuel Obeng being dismissed for a tackle on Jordi Calavera following a VAR review. Despite being down to ten men, Real Oviedo were relentless in their attempts to break the deadlock.
Real Oviedo added another point to the tally today and close the matchday two points off a playoff position. Next time out, the Asturians will visit La Romareda to face Real Zaragoza.
