Real Oviedo earned a pivotal win home to one of the top half of the table rivals. Elche CF, coached by Baraja, succumbed to Real Oviedo as the Blues were better on the ball and kept possession for most of the game. Real Oviedo found it hard to open the score, but they got a well-deserved result after all the chances they had created during the whole game.
Real Oviedo, who kept a very similar line-up to last week’s fixture at Girona, had plenty of opportunities along the first half. Toché had several chances to net in the opening goal, but some of his shots were saved by goalkeeper Jiménez on Elche’s goal while others went narrowly wide. However, it was Susaeta who got the closest to score as his free kick attempt came off the right top corner of Elche’s goal. Then, just before half time Toché’s effort went narrowly wide.
In the second half the rain ceased, and Egea soon made some substitutions as Edu Bedia and Koné were brought in the midfield and the front line respectively. Real Oviedo kept up with a good job in the defence so Elche CF were unable to get anywhere near Esteban’s goal. Then, Real Oviedo opened the score when Koné connected with an accurate assist by Susaeta from the right wing to make it 1-0 to Real Oviedo. A few minutes later, amid a bit of a controversial action, the Blues got their second goal. The referee ruled out Koné’s possible offside when Elche’s José Ángel scored an own goal. Finally, winger Pablo Hervías made it 3-0 in a perfect finish after a fast individual counter.
All in all, three more points that place Real Oviedo third on the table, closing the gap on the direct promotion spots and the top of the league, which are now at a distance of two and three points respectively. Last but not least, the Blues’ unbeaten run has been extended to twelve games.
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