Sacrifice, dedication, and strength proved to be the key for Real Oviedo to secure an important victory against Levante, who were, until today, the runaway leader of the division.
The Valencian side had only tasted defeat once prior to arriving at the Carlos Tartiere, but Fernando Hierro’s side withstood the early period of Levante domination and Toche’s absence through injury, to become increasingly comfortable in the game and reach halftime at 0-0. Juan Carlos was not called into action in the opening forty-five minutes, and it was Linares who had the best chance of the first half. The forward met a left-wing cross from Pereira, who started the match up front, and fired against the post. Raúl claimed Oviedo’s set piece efforts, while Susaeta sent a direct free kick just wide of the left-hand post.
In the second half, the first signs of Oviedo danger came from dead ball situations. First Michu, and then Linares, each tested Raúl from Susaeta corner kicks. The Levante keeper saved a clear Oviedo chance, but just a few minutes later Michu headed home a ball lobbed into the area by Pereira, netting his first league goal of the season and giving Real Oviedo the lead. Linares and Pereira then tried to put together another opportunity, but they came up against a goalkeeper who claimed the ball before Linares could apply the finish. However, Pereira then did manage to supply the slightest of touches to Christian Fernández’s left-wing cross to guide the ball into the corner of the net and seal the victory. Levante reacted well, testing Juan Carlos, but Real Oviedo maintained their defensive solidity until the very end. Christian did clear a long range strike off the line, in what was the Valencian side’s clearest opportunity. Hard work and sacrifice sealed a fine victory against the leader of the division, on the day the Symmachiarii Group celebrated their XXII anniversary.
The team will resume training tomorrow at 10:30 at El Requexón.
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