Real Oviedo were eliminated from the Copa del Rey after a topsy-turvy match in which they initially led, before falling behind on the scoresheet, and which was finally decided in extra time.
With a starting eleven which was entirely different to that which took to the field in the last La Liga match, Real Oviedo began the match by taking the lead thanks to a goal from Miguel Linares. The striker made the most of a rebound following Edu Bedia’s shot, to open the scoring in the twentieth minute. However, barely two minutes later, Nono equalised for UCAM, before Juande added a second for the home side before half time from a set piece. Pereira had the clearest opportunity in the first half to equalise, with an angled shot which crashed against the crossbar.
In the second half Real Oviedo increased their tempo and intensity, and managed to improve in possession, as well as in attacking situations, but without being able to find the finishing touch. UCAM grabbed their third through Tito, but just when it seemed that the match was over as a contest, Michu made the most of a rebound from a Susaeta shot to cut the deficit and bring the Asturians back into the match. In stoppage time the third Real Oviedo goal arrived, again through the returning Michu, making the score 3-3 and forcing extra time.
In the additional thirty minutes Real Oviedo were superior to UCAM both physically and in intensity. Oviedo went in search of the fourth goal that would secure their passage into the next round. A sequence of play saw Toché hit the back of the net, but it was disallowed for offside. UCAM responded with a strike from Vicente which would ultimately provide the home team with a path to the next round, but there was still time remaining for Real Oviedo to react. Fernando Hierro’s side kept going until the very end, but the referee failed to award a penalty for a clear handball inside the box, after a pull on Toché, which would see Michu receive a yellow card for his protestations.
Real Oviedo thus saw themselves eliminated from the Copa del Rey. The team will train tomorrow at Ceutí’s Miguel Indurain training facilities before flying back to Asturias.
