El Molinón today hosted Matchday 34 in LaLiga SmartBank, as Real Oviedo faced Sporting de Gijón. Los Azules secured a 1-0 away victory, allowing the side to pick up morale and move out and away from the relegation zone.
The Real Oviedo players went into today's game fully aware of the importance of picking up three points against their biggest rivals, particularly with results going their way elsewhere during this latest matchday. Ziganda made several changes to the starting eleven, bringing in Bolaño, Jimmy, Ibra and Rodri, with the clear intention of controlling the ball and carrying the initiative in the match. The two teams fought for possession during the first half, with Real Oviedo very comfortable and trying to switch the play from one side of the pitch to the other. Lunin had barely any work to do during the first half, except for one fine save from an opponent. The teams went in for halftime with the score 0-0. The second half saw Real Oviedo very well positioned on the pitch to deal with the few chances created by the hosts. The Oviedistas, meanwhile, made the score 0-1 following some wonderful combination play between Ortuño and Borja Sánchez, which the Oviedo-born midfielder tucked home past Mariño. Real Oviedo maintained their shape following the goal, focusing on not allowing any gaps to open in the defence, and trying to keep the ball between the midfield men.
This was an important victory for Real Oviedo, who conquered El Molinón once more, and created some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone. They now focus on Thursday's important match against Fuenlabrada.
