This Wednesday saw Real Oviedo finish their pre-season stage at the Pinatar Arena, winning the friendly against Al-Ettifaq. Javi Calleja’s men beat Steven Gerrard’s team 3-2 and continued gaining valuable experience and showing good performances before the start of the league.
For the match against the Saudi team, Real Oviedo’s coach opted for the following starting eleven: Braat, Lemos, Luego, Dani Calvo, Pomares, Paulino, Homenchenko, Dotor, Borja Sánchez, Álex Cardero and Paraschiv.
The first half was marked by the team’s high quality of play, with a clear vision both on and off the ball, compact defensive positioning, and threatening attacks. Paraschiv scored the first goal a few minutes into the game, but Steven Gerrard’s team drew level halfway through the first half.
After halftime, Javi Calleja kept the same eleven on the pitch. The half started with a goal from the opponents, meaning Real Oviedo had to adjust, put more pressure on the ball to force mistakes, and take advantage of turnovers. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Calleja brought on Rahim, David Costas, Del Moral, Sibo, Moyano, Alemao, Álex Millán, Lucas, Miguelez, and Jaime Vazquez. It was Miguelez who levelled the scoring before he provided a fine assist that allowed Alemao to add the third.
The team returns to Oviedo today and will continue their preseason training tomorrow at 18:30, with another training session at El Requexón.
