The Tartiere crowd began the evening with a minute’s silence in memory of the fathers of Edu Cortina and Gabri Piquero, ahead of what was a difficult match for the Asturian side.
Bárcenas returned to the starting eleven in place of Johannesson, and the home side found it hard to evade Alcorcón’s pressing game during the first half. Cristobal Parralo’s side played with great intensity during the first fifteen minutes, albeit without creating too much, and made it difficult for Anquela’s men to keep possession . Real Oviedo maintained impeccable defensive solidity, and grew into the match after the half-hour mark, following a tactical tweak. They switched to four at the back, moving Javi Hernández into a more advanced role. The Coach would again alter things during halftime.
Johannesson replaced Javi Hernández at halftime, and Real Oviedo began to get forward more as time ticked by. ‘Los Azules’ were more comfortable on the pitch and began to create chances with increasing regularity.
Alcorcón, meanwhile, did not threaten at any time. Anquela’s side grew ever stronger and it was translated into chances. Bárcenas had the first clear opportunity, but he headed wide from Johannesson’s cross. Carlos Hernández also failed to convert a header, this time from a corner. Javi Muñoz entered the fray, and Real Oviedo began to enjoy their best spell of the match. Johannesson’s powerful header from a fine Christian Fernández cross grazed the crossbar. Ibra came on in place of Bárcenas, and the Tejera goal arrived shortly afterwards. Christian Fernández once more swung a cross into the back post, and the Catalan midfielder headed home what would prove to be the winner. The Tartiere crowd pushed their side on to victory when they most needed it.
The players marked the victory by holding up the number 30 shirt, bearing Edu Cortina’s name, in the centre of the pitch. They picked up three more points and maintained their excellent recent run. The team will return to training at 17:00 this Monday, at El Requexón.
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