Real Oviedo Hold On For A Point In Castellón

Real Oviedo went into tonight's encounter at Skyfi Castalia in search of a second consecutive victory. Following the 1-0 away victory against R.C. Deportivo de La Coruña on Matchday 1, Los Azules went into the fixture against CD Castellón with the clear objective of picking up another win. Head Coach Javi Calleja made a couple of changes, opting for a starting eleven made up of Aarón Escandell, Lucas, Oier Luengo, Dani Calvo, Rahim, Del Moral, Sibo, Dotor, Sebas, Hassan and Alemão.

 

Both teams gave it everything right from the outset in today's match. Real Oviedo were brave and constantly searched for a way through, with Alemão being brought down inside the penalty area twice within the first ten minutes. However, the referee determined that in neither case was the contact sufficient to award a spot kick. The hosts began to grow into the match and took control of the ball, creating the better of the chances. However, Aarón Escandell was capable of standing up to the threat, and the clean sheet remained intact.

 

In the 30th minute Dani Calvo went down in the box after being pulled back by a CD Castellón defender, and this time the referee did blow for a penalty. However, the VAR officials ordered him to review the decision, and his original call was eventually overruled. In the final stages of the first half Alemão had what would prove to be the best opportunity of the match. Hassan played a killer ball across the goalline, but the Brazilian was just unable to provide the finishing touch. The two teams went in for the interval with the score 0-0.

 

After the break Alberto Del Moral had a good headed chance, but his effort went just over the crossbar. As the minutes ticked by the home team once again took control of possession, and Javi Calleja made a double change. Cazorla and Masca came on in place of Dotor and Hassan, although the pattern of the encounter remained largely the same. A superb Aarón Escandell kept Real Oviedo level, making some fine saves in a man of the match performance.

 

Paulino, Paraschiv, and David Costas entered the fray during the closing minutes, as Castellón continued to push on. However, Javi Calleja's team proved capable of standing up to the threat, and picked up a hard-fought point.

Four points from a possible six at the start of the new league campaign for Real Oviedo. Next up will be the first home fixture of the campaign, which will see Los Azules face Racing de Santander at the Carlos Tartiere.