Despite last week’s defeat in Almería, Fernando Hierro kept the same formation in this morning’s clash against RCD Mallorca. On a pitch standing up as best it could against heavy rain in the last few days, Hierro selected David Costas for the first time at centre back in a five-man defence, as well as sticking by Johannesson and Varela at wing back. Vila partnered Rocha in centre midfield in the absence of Lucas Torró and Jon Erice, with Toché flanked by Saúl and Susaeta in attack.
The first chance of the match fell to Toché. The forward managed to beat the two centre backs to a searching through ball and slot home past Cabrero, but the linesman incorrectly disallowed the goal for offside. However, Real Oviedo’s top scorer was not to be denied for long. In the seventh minute of the match Saúl and Susaeta combined nicely, before
sliding the ball out to the left to Varela to cross. Toché waited in the box, closely marked by Mallorca’s defence, but managed to connect with an overhead kick which found the back of the net. Following the goal, Mallorca enjoyed more possession, although a fine headed effort from Vila grazed the post for Real Oviedo. Mallorca did, however, then manage to equalise. A free kick to the right of the area was swung in and, following several rebounds, Raillo managed to turn the ball in, making the score 1-1.
After the break, Hierro changed his tactics, with Verdés leaving the pitch to be replaced by Linares. Varela also made way, with David Fernández coming on at centre back and Real Oviedo reverting to a four-man defence. Linares had a great opportunity, after Susaeta and Johannesson combined on the wing, but could only head narrowly wide at the back post. Real Oviedo’s winner came shortly afterwards, however, with debutant, David Costas, scoring from a set piece. Costas headed home Susaeta’s corner to make the score 2-1. Rain and hail began to fall heavily in the final minutes of the encounter, but Mallorca were unable to really threaten Juan Carlos’ goal. The three points stayed in Oviedo, with Los Azules being backed until the very last minute by their fans.
The team will recommence training tomorrow, Monday, at 10:30 at El Requexón.
The first chance of the match fell to Toché. The forward managed to beat the two centre backs to a searching through ball and slot home past Cabrero, but the linesman incorrectly disallowed the goal for offside. However, Real Oviedo’s top scorer was not to be denied for long. In the seventh minute of the match Saúl and Susaeta combined nicely, before
sliding the ball out to the left to Varela to cross. Toché waited in the box, closely marked by Mallorca’s defence, but managed to connect with an overhead kick which found the back of the net. Following the goal, Mallorca enjoyed more possession, although a fine headed effort from Vila grazed the post for Real Oviedo. Mallorca did, however, then manage to equalise. A free kick to the right of the area was swung in and, following several rebounds, Raillo managed to turn the ball in, making the score 1-1.
After the break, Hierro changed his tactics, with Verdés leaving the pitch to be replaced by Linares. Varela also made way, with David Fernández coming on at centre back and Real Oviedo reverting to a four-man defence. Linares had a great opportunity, after Susaeta and Johannesson combined on the wing, but could only head narrowly wide at the back post. Real Oviedo’s winner came shortly afterwards, however, with debutant, David Costas, scoring from a set piece. Costas headed home Susaeta’s corner to make the score 2-1. Rain and hail began to fall heavily in the final minutes of the encounter, but Mallorca were unable to really threaten Juan Carlos’ goal. The three points stayed in Oviedo, with Los Azules being backed until the very last minute by their fans.
The team will recommence training tomorrow, Monday, at 10:30 at El Requexón.
