Fighting, Battling, and Winning

Oviedistas probably spent last night dreaming that the final match of the year would turn out just like it did this evening in the Carlos Tartiere. This was a fifth consecutive win, and a particularly convincing one against a fine opponent. It took place in front of a fantastic atmosphere, with clear bond between the team and the fans which once again rendered the stadium an unbreakable fortress.

Real Oviedo made just one change to the starting eleven, replacing the suspended Yeboah. The home side showed up against a daring Cultural Leonesa side who fought for control of the ball during the early stages. The Asturians would strike the first blow, however through Aarón Ñíguez’s early goal on his return to the starting line-up. The winger scored in the tenth minute of the clash, and Real Oviedo were on the right track. Saúl had a chance to double the lead shortly afterwards, but he headed Johannesson’s right-wing cross over the bar. Cultural then had their best spell of the match, but Real Oviedo stayed strong in defence. Linares couldn’t get on the end of Saúl’s fine pass, after fine pressure from the winger, before Christian Fernández headed over from Saúl’s free kick. Johannesson had the best chance of the first half, however. Saúl set the ball up on a plate for him on the counter attack, but after winning the race to the ball, the defender was unable to beat the keeper from the one-on-one.

After the break, Real Oviedo were able to seal the victory, with Carlos Hernández meeting Berjón’s free kick to make it 2-0. Real Oviedo had various chances to extend the lead still further. Firstly, Aarón hitting the post from Mossa’s cross, before Linares had several shots denied by the Cultural keeper. It was Cotugno who headed home to add the third and final goal for a Real Oviedo who grew as the minutes ticked by and enjoyed a fine victory in front of a vibrant Carlos Tartiere. This latest victory allows Real Oviedo to go into 2018 third in the table and only one point off automatic promotion, to the delight of their fans.