Opening Day Victory

Real Oviedo travelled to La Coruña today for the opening match of the 2024/2025 LaLiga Hypermotion season. The Galician side provided the first opponent of the new campaign, in what was also Javi Callejo's first match in charge of Los Azules. The Coach opted for a starting eleven made up of Aarón Escandell, Lemos, Costas, Dani Calvo, Rahim, Del Moral, Sibo, Dotor, Sebas Moyano, Paulino de la Fuente, and Alemão.

 

Around 1000 Oviedistas made their way to Riazor for the opening fixture, which Los Carbayones could not have started any better. In just the 5th minute a perfect Paulino free kick was met by a wonderful header from Alberto Del Moral, with the new signing finding the back of the net. Despite initially being ruled out for a non-existent offside, VAR rectified the decision and Real Oviedo went into a 1-0 lead. After the early boost in morale, the first half developed into a fairly even encounter. Deportivo de la Coruña dominated possession, but Real Oviedo were not forced into too much defensive action. Aarón Escandell was barely called into action, and the score remained 1-0 at half-time.

 

Lucas Ahijado came on in place of Lemos for the second half, and Javi Calleja's team again demonstrated their defensive solidity. In the 61st minute Cazorla and Hassan came on, just before Lucas went close. A fine Rahim cross was met by the right back on the half-volley, but his shot deflected off a defender for a corner.

Dépor also had the odd chance, but they were denied by Aarón Escandell. In the final moments Cazorla produced a sensational through ball to play Paraschiv in one-on-one, but the Romanian forward's shot was saved by the keeper. Deportivo had a final flurry of attacks, but the Asturians would hold on for the three points and a first opening-day victory in professional football in 25 years.