Real Oviedo could not be broken down due the team’s fine defensive work, which was given a thorough examination at La Condomina, against a UCAM Murcia side who dominated the match. Real Oviedo were in charge in the two boxes, however, and came away with the victory thanks to Héctor Verdés’ goal.
Fernando Hierro was forced into one change to the starting eleven due to Michu’s injury. Jon Erice was brought in to strengthen the centre of the pitch. UCAM dominated the match however, winning a penalty only fifteen minutes into the encounter. Góngora fired wide from the spot, and would be punished further when Real Oviedo made the most of one of their first attacks, grabbing what would ultimately prove to be match winning goal. Héctor Verdés headed home from Susaeta’s corner, via a deflection off a UCAM defender. Real Oviedo taking the lead on the scoresheet saw their defensive intensity increase right up until the halftime whistle.
UCAM returned for the second half determined to find an equaliser, but Real Oviedo maintained their defensive solidity to overcome the renewed threat. Linares just failed to bring a fine long ball under his control, having beaten the centre backs to leave himself one on one with Fernando. Juan Carlos had to intervene at the other end to save Juanma’s effort from
inside the box, and Fernando Hierro began to use the bench at his disposal, bringing on Varela, Pereira and Vila. These changes did not see any reduction in Real Oviedo’s defensive intensity, although they were to have few chances of attacking against a UCAM side throwing themselves into the attack. Pereira’s pace did however provide Real Oviedo with several clear opportunities during the second half. Fernando just beat the forward to a long through ball from Christian in the first, before Pereira had two further chances on the counter. First he was denied by the referee, who ruled that he had fouled the defender after tumbling on the edge of the box, before having his final effort ruled out for offside.
When the final whistle sounded, Real Oviedo recorded their fourth successive clean sheet and took the three points home from Murcia. They will return to training on Wednesday.
The players who did not take to the field in Murcia completed a training session after the match. Those not selected and injured will train Monday and Tuesday at El Requexón.
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