Real Oviedo left Zorrilla empty handed, despite having created numerous chances, as well as having a possible penalty shout turned down by the referee, which could have given them at least a draw.
Real Oviedo’s opening game of the season in Valladolid began with an even first half. They spent most of the early stages of the encounter in opposition goalkeeper Becerra’s area, but only managed timid attempts on goal which didn’t threaten the home team. The pressure which Fernando Hierro’s side placed the opposition under was bearing fruit. The ball was quickly recovered, but without too much of significance resulting from their efforts. Real Valladolid were more effective, and Jose opened the scoring with their first effort on goal, profiting from an unfortunate passage of play for Real Oviedo’s defence. Real Oviedo reacted well to the goal conceded, and sought an equalizer before the break. The home defence cleared a cross from the wing off the line, then blocked a shot from Peña following a first effort in the area from Fernández’s cross, and finally Becerra kept out the most clear-cut opportunity. A fine move from Susaeta, Linares and Toché ended with the latter’s shot being saved.
After halftime Real Oviedo’s control over the game increased. Hierro’s men dominated possession and looked for gaps in a Real Valladolid defence who had conceded control of the match to Los Carbayones. Susaeta saw an effort from a free kick go over the bar before Toché was again thwarted by Becerra with an effort which was heading towards the corner of the net. Following a good cross from Nando, the Valladolid keeper again won the battle against the Murcia-born striker, saving his first attempt and then keeping out a second shot, exasperating the Real Oviedo players. Hierro shuffled his pack, bring on Pereira, Edu Bedia and Martín Alaniz to help in the pursuit of an equalizer.
The most controversial moment of the match then followed, with Susaeta brought down in the area, following an off-the-ball foul on Nando, and an accidental collision between Becerra and one of the defenders. The official waved away appeals for a penalty, and Los Azules protested a moment in the game which again left them without reward. Toché was yet to have the clearest chance of the match, but Becerra again came out on the top, keeping out the forward’s attempt in stoppage time.
Real Oviedo left Valladolid empty handed from their league debut. They resume training this Monday at 17:00 at El Requexón training ground.
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