The First Victory of the Year Arrives in Cartagena

Matchday 23 in LaLiga Hypermotion saw Real Oviedo travel to Murcia to face FC Cartagena, in the first away fixture of 2025. Following the draw in the Asturian Derby, Los Azules were looking for their first victory of the new year, and Javi Calleja opted for a starting eleven made up of Aarón Escandell, Oier Luengo, Dani Calvo, David Costas, Pomares, Colombatto, Sibo, Portillo, Chaira, Hassan, and Alemão.

 

The opening minutes of the encounter were very even. Hassan tried several individual runs down the right, which Pomares played in some dangerous crosses from the left, as Real Oviedo gradually gained territory. In the 27th minute Los Carbayones made the most of a set piece to take the lead. Colombatto swung a free kick into the box, the ball was headed back across by Luengo, and Alemão headed the ball home. Moments later Real Oviedo had the chance to double the advantage, with the Brazilian forward trying his luck from the edge of the area. However, his strike went wide.

 

Real Oviedo pushed forward after the interval and dominated from the outset. Paulino and Lucas came on in place of Hassan and Oier Luengo, and both Chaira and Paulino provided a threat. In the 63rd minute Alemão had an opportunity from a header after meeting a fine ball from Paulino, but he was denied by a good save by the home keeper. The hosts would then go close to equalising. Gastón fired a fine free kick goalwards in the 74th minute, but Aarón Escandell produced a spectacular save to maintain the Asturians' lead. In the final minutes Los Azules had chances to seal the victory, but in the end the match ended with a 1-0 away win.

This victory sees Real Oviedo pick up their first win of 2025 and return to the playoff places. Javi Calleja's side will now turn its attentions to next Sunday's league fixture against CD Castellón at the Carlos Tartiere.