All to be Decided at Ipurúa

28,126 fans turned out at the Carlos Tartiere this Saturday for the first leg of the playoff semi-final. With the crowd displaying a spectacular tifo bearing the slogan 'Guardians of the Treasure and the Location', Luis Carrión opted for a starting eleven made up of Leo Román, Viti, Oier Luengo, Dani Calvo, Pomares, Colombatto, Luismi, Borja Sánchez, Sebas Moyano, Borja Bastón and Alemão.

 

Los Carbayones emerged strongly for the encounter. Pushed on by the crowd and the fantastic atmosphere, the team was driven on and dominated the ball. However, the first opportunity fell to the visitors. Following some fine link-up play, Stoichkov's effort grazed the post. Los Azules would have their own opportunity shortly afterwards. In the 20th minute Colombatto played a one-two with Alemão, before shooting wide. Just before the interval Alemão headed goalwards from a good cross, but he was denied by a fine save by Luca Zidane. Following an even opening forty-five minutes featuring few opportunities, the two teams went in for the interval with the score still 0-0.

Real Oviedo went out looking to dominate again at the start of the second half, and in the 51st minute a low Borja Sánchez cross flashed across the goal line, with neither Bastón nor Alemão able to apply the finishing touch. Luis Carrión made the first change in the 64th minute, bringing Dubasin on for Borja Sánchez. The match remained even, with neither side capable of breaking the deadlock. Paulino de la Fuente came on to provide fresh legs in place of Sebas Moyano and Borja Bastón, while SD Eibar also made changes. With the Tartiere crowd relentless in its support, Real Oviedo continued to push in the final minutes and press the away side back. Paulino had the best opportunity, but his header was clawed out of the top corner by the keeper. The first leg of the playoff semi-final finished 0-0.

Now, with just three days to prepare, Real Oviedo begin to get ready for the second leg at Ipurúa, where everything will be to play for, and where Real Oviedo and SD Eibar will fight it out for a place in the playoff final.