The second match of the LaLiga SmartBank season saw Ziganda's side travel away from home for the first time. Real Oviedo went to the Estadio de los Juegos del Mediterráneo to face Almería, eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat.
The only change to the starting eleven used against CD Lugo last week saw Sangalli come into the midfield. The Asturians were shocked just a few minutes into the game, when Almería took the lead from a defensive mistake. The team from the capital of Asturias did not let their heads drop with the score at 1-0 and began to try to find a way through, putting together good transitions in play and creating danger on the wings. The equalising goal would arrive when Samu Obeng made no mistake from inside the six-yard box, following a flick off Costas' heel. Following the leveller, a period of the game began which saw both teams have chances to gain the lead, but the two defences dealt with the danger well. Almería did find a way through, but the referee disallowed the goal due to a foul by Sadiq as he headed home. The first half ended with Almería dominating the possession, and eventually retaking the lead on the brink of halftime, making the score 2-1.
There were no changes during the interval, and Real Oviedo emerged looking to gain possession and threaten, with the attackers working hard to press the hosts. The side kept going, but Almería did not give anything away in defence. Borja Bastón, Jony Montiel and Matheus all came on, as Ziganda looked to bring some spark to the attack. Jirka and Alex Cardero also then came on, as Real Oviedo tried to increase the tempo in search of an equalising goal. Los Azules were relentless in search of the goal, but were unable to find the equaliser.
Los Azules went home empty-handed from Almería and will spend this week working towards the next LaLiga SmartBank fixture, against Tenerife. The match will kick off at 19:30 at the Carlos Tartiere.
