Three Golden Points in Las Palmas

Real Oviedo travelled to the Canary Islands this Sunday for their Matchday 35 LaLiga SmartBank fixture against UD Las Palmas. Álvaro Cervera opted for a starting eleven made up of Braat, Luengo, David Costas, Dani Calvo, Abel Bretones, Borja Sánchez, Koba, Luismi, Viti, Hugo Rama and Sergi Enrich.

 

Following Los Azules' fine performance against Eibar last time out, Real Oviedo went into this match with the same idea, that of maintaining their defensive solidity and attempting to take the chances they got. The opening minutes were a very even affair, and neither side created too much in attack. Los Carbayones, for their part, were solid in defence and looked to cause problems for their hosts on the counter attack.

 

Hugo Rama had the first opportunity for the Asturians in the 12th minute following some fine individual play from Borja Sánchez , but his volley was blocked by a defender. UD Las Palmas went close shortly afterwards but Sandro's effort was kept out by Braat. The match continued in the same fashion as the minutes ticked by, and Viti in the 27th minute would be next to try his luck. The Asturian winger met Hugo Rama's cross, but his header was denied easily by Las Palmas goalkeeper Á. Valles. The first half came to an end with the action again very even, and the two teams went in for halftime with the scores 0-0.

 

After the interval, Álvaro Cervera was forced into his first change, with Koba unable to continue and Camarasa coming on in his place. Real Oviedo did not change their game plan despite the setback, and continued with their fine defensive performance. The hosts were not able to find the key to unlock the Asturians' defence, and in the end it would be Los Azules who opened the scoring. Viti Rozada concluded some fine play down the right wing by picking out Borja Sánchez, who slotted home with ease to make the score 1-0. The fine piece of play from Viti was crucial in helping Real Oviedo take the lead at one of the most difficult grounds in the division.

 

The 78th minute Moleiro gave the travelling Oviedistas a scare with a long-range effort which struck the crossbar. Braat was also forced into a fine save by Loren from the final Las Palmas attack of the match, but, despite some frights, Los Azules were able to keep a clean sheet and hold on to their lead. This victory sees Los Carbayones move up to 15th place with 43 points, with a gap of eight points above the relegation zone.