That the disappointment in Tenerife had been just a mistake was a very common phrase this week at El Requexón, where Real Oviedo prepared for Matchday 26 in LaLiga SmartBank. Los Azules triumphed 2-0 today, and demonstrated that commitment and determination are the foundations of this team.
Ziganda opted for a starting eleven made up of Femenías; Carlos Isaac, Dani Calvo, David Costas, Pierre; Viti, Jimmy, Luismi, Borja Sánchez; Obeng and Borja Bastón. Almería came to the Tartiere in need of three points, having gone several games without a victory.
Following a minute's silence for Mrs Sylvia Ayub de Elías, the mother of Arturo Elías, Real Oviedo emerged for the match strongly in attacking areas. The team wanted to get on the ball and looked to hurt Almería down the wings, with Pierre and Borja Sánchez providing the main source of threat. Borja Sánchez was the first to go close following a fine link-up with Borja Bastón, but his strike hit the post. Los Azules did not suffer defensively, and continued to push for the opening goal. It would eventually arrive following some fine play down the left. Borja Bastón found the finishing touch to make the halftime score 1-0.
Almería were more involved in the second half, but Real Oviedo continued in the same vein as prior to the interval. They were well-organised at the back and not happy to settle at 1-0. Ziganda's team continued to attack down the wings as Almería looked to step forward, but the Andalusians were still unable to generate clear chances. The Asturians' persistence would eventually lead to them doubling their lead, as Pierre's fine cross was turned into his own net by one of the away defenders. With the score 2-0, Almería began to dominate the ball, but Ziganda's team kept trying to hurt the away side on the counter attack. Javi Mier came on in the first Real Oviedo substitution, before Sangalli, and finally Jirka and Lucas Ahijado also came on.
Los Azules secured three important points today at the Carlos Tartiere, where fine supporter backing helped to team to get back on track and position itself within three points of a playoff place.
