Real Oviedo fell to an unfortunate defeat away at Ipurúa tonight, following one of the best performances of the season, which saw them strike the woodwork twice. The decisive goal came in the final seconds of the 93rd minute, when Eibar turned home the rebound from a corner kick, denying the Asturians what would have been a very hard-fought and deserved point.
Making three changes to the side which triumphed against Málaga at the Tartiere on Sunday, Los Azules went out at Ipurúa with the aims of fighting for possession and making Eibar uncomfortable throughout the first half. Pierre, Jirka and Matheus Aiás came in to freshen the team up, as they successfully looked to press high and steal the ball in the opposition half. Ziganda's side did not create many clear chances but did threaten. They gave nothing away in defence, in a very professional and organised display. Following several attacks in the first ten minutes, Sangalli had perhaps the clearest opportunity, but his volley from a Pierre cross was kept out by Yoel.
Ziganda turned to his bench earlier than normal in the second half, bringing on Borja Bastón and Pombo in the 54th minute, as he freshened up the left wing and the attack. Real Oviedo got forward more as they made the most of Pombo's changes in tempo and got a lot of men forward, particularly when attacking down the wings. Viti and Luismi came on shortly afterwards to alter the other wing and the centre of the midfield. The rain was incessant at Ipurúa, as Lucas got forward to meet a Pierre cross, but he was denied by the goalkeeper. Pombo was next to go close, hitting the post from a cross. The defence did very well to block a goal-bound shot from the edge of the box meanwhile, before Ziganda brought on Borja Sánchez in his final change. Added time saw Pombo strike the woodwork once more from a fantastic individual effort. A corner kick in the 93rd minute then saw Eibar score from a rebound, following an initial save by Femenías.
Real Oviedo were thus denied the point which would have been just reward for the work, seriousness, and bravery that they put into their trip to Ipurúa. The team will begin training tomorrow for Saturday's fixture against UD Las Palmas.
