The past few days have been proof of the saying that football is the most important of the least important things in life. Matchday 41 in LaLiga Smartbank saw Real Oviedo play the final home game of the season at the NMR Carlos Tartiere. Los Azules ended up drawing 1-1 with CD Mirandés.
The team from the capital of Asturias went into today's game full of pain, dismay and mourning, but with the moral obligation to finish the home season by honouring the memory of Francesc Arnau and representing the badge in the way it deserves. Following an emotional minute's silence, Los Azules lined up with a starting eleven made up of Femenías; Juanjo Nieto, Arribas, Bolaño, Mossa; Sangalli, Edgar, Tejera, Borja Sánchez; Nahuel and Rodri Ríos.
The first half began with an early Real Oviedo goal. Tejera fired home past ex-Real Oviedo goalkeeper Limones, on the half-volley from the edge of the box. The whole team came together to celebrate, signalling towards the sky, and holding goalkeeping gloves to pay respect to our Catalan Director of Football. Los Azules dominated the opening period of the match, controlling the ball and looking to work the ball through the lines and cause danger. Mirandés recovered and ended the first half in search of an equaliser, but found themselves up against a very solid Real Oviedo defensive performance, which repelled all of the away side's attacks.
The visitors, led by José Alberto López, grabbed an equaliser after the interval. With the scores level it would be the away team who threatened to take the lead, with Femenías forced into several saves to keep the draw intact. Ziganda turned to his bench, bringing on Borja Valle, Obeng and Jimmy first, before later introducing Blanco Leschuk, and finally Viti. Borja Sánchez and Marco Sangalli had the two best chances of the second half, but they were unable to convert to give Real Oviedo the three points.
This was one point for Los Azules which, more than mattering for the points tally, served to honour Francesc Arnau. He was a good, warm and committed colleague and person, who arrived at Real Oviedo full of excitement and hunger to work, and who has left us too soon, leaving a great void within Oviedismo.
