REAL OVIEDO SQUAD 2008-09 Name Age Club 2007/08 (Division) - Position -- Games (Sub) Goals -- Yellow/Red Aulestia 27 Real Oviedo (3ª) - G -36 -- ( 0 ) - 22 -- 6 / 1 Iván 21 Real Oviedo (3ª) - G -- 4 -- ( 0 ) -- 2 -- 0 / 1 José Luis 27 Real Oviedo (3ª) - D - 24 -- ( 8 ) -- 0 -- 5 / 0 Iker Lasarte 29 Real Oviedo (3ª) - D - 35 -- ( 1 ) -- 2 -- 9 / 0 Sergio Villanueva 33 Real Oviedo (3ª) - M - 30 -- ( 4 ) -- 7 -- 5 / 0 Mario Prieto 31 Real Oviedo (3ª) - M - 15 -- ( 2 ) -- 2 -- 7 / 0 Juan Luis 31 Real Oviedo (3ª) - M -- 1 -- ( 0 ) -- 0 -- 0 / 0 Curro 27 Real Oviedo (3ª) - M - 37 -- ( 1 ) - 10 -- 8 / 1 Jaime 22 Real Oviedo (3ª) - M - 17 - ( 15 ) -- 4 -- 0 / 0 Diego Cervero 25 Real Oviedo (3ª) - F - 39 -- ( 0 ) - 27 -- 3 / 0 Matias 20 Real Oviedo (3ª) - F -- 7 - ( 10 ) -- 0 -- 1 / 0 New signingsDani Hedrera 24 Mazarrón (2ª B) - D - 28 -- ( 0 ) -- 0 - 11 / 0 Armando Invernón 28 Marino (2ª B) - M - 14 - ( 13 ) -- 0 -- 2 / 2 Gonzalo 24 Burgos (2ª B) - D - 34 -- ( 0 ) -- 0 - 10 / 1 Jorge Rodríguez 26 Osasuna "B" (2ª B) - F -- 8 - ( 14 ) -- 5 -- 1 / 0 Jorge Valiente 24 Osasuna "B" (2ª B) - M - 19 -- ( 2 ) -- 2 -- 5 / 0 Alex 25 SS de los Reyes (2ª B) - F - 32 -- ( 3 ) -- 4 -- 8 / 1 David Fariña 33 CD Toledo (3ª) - D - 40 -- ( 0 ) -- 4 -- 3 / 0 New Manager: Raul Gonzalez
2008-09 Squad Real Oviedo have kept many of the key players that won the Championship last season, most importantly Curro and Diego Cervero (Tercera Group 2 player of season and top goalscorer respectively.) Other key players, Aulestia (Divisions top keeper last year) left back Lasarte midfielders Mario Preito and Jaime and right winger Sergio Villanueva have re-signed. The defence that capitulated against Caravaca away in the Play-offs has gone lock stock and barrel, no real loss there. No sad departures, the highered mercanaries like Pacheta and Bravo have left but in reality no one who has left this summer did anything over the two Play-off games to show they were worth keeping at the club. All in all the players mentioned that stayed are the ones that we most wanted to keep, all others good riddance, onwards and upwards, Volveremos! New signings: New management duo of Raul Gonzalez (manager) and Juan Manuel (sporting director) both have a wealth of experiance in Tercera/Segunda B. Perhaps not the dynamic youthfull management duo the supporters wanted but they've both managed clubs that have been promoted to Segunda B so both been their done it, hopefully in 10 months time they'll have repeated the feat with Oviedo. Gonzalez has brought in strong experianced players mainly from Segunda B clubs most if not all have played under his management before, in come players who will challenge for first team places from day one. Gonzalo looks like filling the problem right back spot, never adequately filled last year. Centre backs David Fariña and Dani Hedrera have come in to take over from outgoing Meijide and Bravo. Armando Invernón and Jorge Valiente look set to battle it out for the left wing spot. Jorge Rodríguez and Alex both can play upfront and may vie with Cervero places upfront. Alex could also drop back into midfield. Possible Starting XI: Aulestia Gonzalo ----- David Fariña ----- Dani Hedrera----- Lasarte Curro ----- Mario Preito Sergio Villanueva ---------- Alex---------- Armando Invernón Diego Cervero Pre-season: Alot of youth teamers given a run out in pre-season freindlies, most notably Nacho Méndez who earned a first team contract. Pablo Naredo scored a few and showed his promise as did Nico, Mario García and Pelayo. Jorge Valiente missed much of pre-season and looks likely to miss the start of the season alongside long term injury victim Juan Luis who still waits to resume training after a horrific knee injury.
League Fixtures Tercera Group 2 2008-09 -------- 1 --- 31/08/2008 ( home ) Cudillero -------- 2 --- 07/09/2008 ( away ) Gijón Ind. -------- 3 --- 14/09/2008 ( home ) Siero -------- 4 --- 21/09/2008 ( away ) Covadonga -------- 5 --- 28/09/2008 ( home ) Ribadesella -------- 6 --- 05/10/2008 ( away ) Tuilla -------- 7 --- 12/10/2008 ( home ) Astur -------- 8 --- 19/10/2008 ( away ) Nalon -------- 9 --- 26/10/2008 ( home ) Real Avilés -------- 10 -- 02/11/2008 ( away ) Navarro -------- 11 -- 09/11/2008 ( home ) Mosconia -------- 12 -- 16/11/2008 ( away ) Ceares -------- 13 -- 23/11/2008 ( home ) Lealtad -------- 14 -- 30/11/2008 ( away ) Langreo -------- 15 -- 07/12/2008 ( home ) Candás -------- 16 -- 14/12/2008 ( away ) Universidad -------- 17 -- 21/12/2008 ( away ) Llanes -------- 18 -- 04/01/2009 ( home ) Caudal -------- 19 -- 11/01/2009 ( away ) Condal -------- 20 -- 18/01/2009 ( away ) Cudillero -------- 21 -- 25/01/2009 ( home ) Gijón Ind. -------- 22 -- 01/02/2009 ( away ) Siero -------- 23 -- 08/02/2009 ( home ) Covadonga -------- 24 -- 15/02/2009 ( away ) Ribadesella -------- 25 -- 22/02/2009 ( home ) Tuilla -------- 26 -- 01/03/2009 ( away ) Astur -------- 27 -- 08/03/2009 ( home ) Nalon -------- 28 -- 15/03/2009 ( away ) Real Avilés -------- 29 -- 22/03/2009 ( home ) Navarro -------- 30 -- 29/03/2009 ( away ) Mosconia -------- 31 -- 05/04/2009 ( home ) Ceares -------- 32 -- 12/04/2009 ( away ) Lealtad -------- 33 -- 19/04/2009 ( home ) Langreo -------- 34 -- 26/04/2009 ( away ) Candás -------- 35 -- 03/05/2009 ( home ) Universidad -------- 36 -- 10/05/2009 ( home ) Llanes -------- 37 -- 17/05/2009 ( away ) Caudal -------- 38 -- 24/05/2009 ( home ) Condal
First match of Season: Wednesday 27th August Real Oviedo -V- PontevedraPreliminary Round (Copa del Rey) Real Oviedo Match Squad Goalkeepers: Aulestia Iván Defenders: José Luis Fariña Nico Dani Hedrera Iker Lasarte Gonzalo Midfield: Mario Prieto Curro Pelayo Sergio Villanueva Jaime Nacho López Forwards: Alex Matías Diego Cervero Jorge Rodríguez Pontevedra CF are a Segunda B side so obviously its a big test in a one off game to qualify for the next elimination round (before the first round proper of the Copa del Rey). Pontevedra CF are a very good 2ªB side finishing 2nd, 1st and 2nd again in last 3 years. History - 6 seasons in Primera in 1960s, Champions of Segunda twice (1963 & 65) last 25 years one season in Segunda rest in Segunda B. Basically Oviedo couldn't have faced a better side in this round. Probable Starting XI: Aulestia Gonzalo -- David Fariña -- Dani Hedrera--Lasarte Curro ---- Mario Preito Sergio Villanueva --- Alex--- Armando Invernón Diego Cervero
Tercera Group 2 Changes from last season, one team got promoted (who we won't name) 4 promoted to fill ranks (3 teams relegated). While some Tercera groups got 2 or even 3 Segunda B sides relegated into their ranks impoving the standard the group Oviedo belong to did not. It is obviously a weaker group this season, losing the 2nd placed side to promotion while none of the 4 promoted sides are likely to trouble the play-off positions. The Asturias Tercera Group is rarely the strongest and at present is one of the weakest of the 18 regional groups. (07-08)Teams/Results (Home) & (Away) (1st) Real Oviedo (3rd) Langreo------ WON---DRAW (4th) Universidad--- WON---LOST (5th) Cudillero------ WON---DRAW (6th) Tuilla--------- WON---WON (7th) Caudal-------- WON---LOST (8th) Lealtad------- WON---LOST (9th) Ribadesella----DRAW---WON (10th) Llanes------- WON---LOST (11th) Real Aviles---WON---WON (12th) Ceares-------DRAW---WON (13th) Navarro------ WON---WON (14th) Siero-------- WON---LOST (15th) Astur-------- WON---WON (16th) Candas------ WON---WON (17th) Condal------- WON---WON Promoted from Regional Preferente Asturias (1st) Mosconia (2nd) Nalon (3rd) Gijon Ind. (4th) Covadonga Who's likely to Challenge for the Play-Offs? Caudal have strengthened by signing Falo and Bruno from Oviedo and look good bets for a top 4 finish after a miserable season last year missing out on Play-offs. Lealtad again have signed a couple of players from Oviedo Armando Quesada and Jon Carrera and like Caudal cannot be as bad as last season. At times looked like the 2nd best side in the group even leading the Group for a brief while around Christmas but somehow they finished 8th and nowhere near a Play-off place at the end of the season. Langreo sneaked 3rd place and with a new manager and a range of new signings could well finish as high again. Universidad, Tuilla and Cudillero should finish in top 10 again but haven't shown any significantly signs of improving their squads over the summer. Raul Gonzalez has to get a consistant starting line-up playing together and to be ready for the Play-Off finals. Our previous manager (who's name pains me to repeat so i won't) couldn't stop tinkering and even in the penultimate league game was playing players out of position for no apparent reason, with decent replacements in reserve or youth team. He had a striker in the reserves who scored every time he played often as a late substitute but no amount of goals whould get him a starting spot, youth team players barely got a sniff of action however well they played on the infrequent occasions they actually got action. The new manager already shows signs that he is happy to supplement a slightly smaller squad with enthusiastic young players. It will be interesting to see how Armando Quesada fairs at Lealtad after having been stiffled for a year at Oviedo. What will be a good season? Promotion is the only target. Championship obviously a bonus but 4th place and a Play-off win would be a good season in contrast to last seasons Championship and humiliation in the Play-offs, Last season even though records were broken was abject failure. The Play-offs are the be all and end all. Play-Off Structure New system that should favour Oviedo. Phase 1 The 18 promotion places to segunda B are split now. 9 are won directly from a Play-off between the Champions of each Tercera group, 18 Group Champions play-off (2 legs) winners win promotion directly. (9 winners/9 losers) At the same time of the Champions Play-off The teams that finished 2nd to 4th (54 teams) Play-off to whittle their numbers to 27. You therefore arrive with 27 winners after 2 legged matches. (27 losers go home!) Phase 2 9 losers from champions play-off join 27 winners from other play-off to play a Play-off semi-final (again 2 legs). You arrive at 18 winners. Phase 3 These 18 winners go into a Play-off final (2 legs) with the 9 winners getting promotion to Segunda B. Complicated but I think that summaries it reasonably clearly. eg for 2nd place to win promotion they have to win through 3 x 2 legged matches. For the Champions they can win promotion from 1st Play-off (2 legged) game, lose that and they can win promotion if they win next 2 x 2 Legged matches. --- Oviedo if they are again Champions could have another Caravaca style nightmare but still have a good chance of promotion under this new system. The new system ensures that 9 Champions will certainly get promoted so the league campaign does have a big bearing on Play-offs, it's also less likely that 3 or 4 teams from same Tercera group will get promoted which has happened fairly frequently.
Real Oviedo 2-0 Pontevedra (Preliminary Round Copa del Rey) Real Oviedo 4-2-3-1 GK Aulestia RB Gonzalo CB Dani Hedrera CB Fariña LB Lasarte DM Curro DM Mario Prieto RM Sergio Villanueva AM Alex García LM Matías CF Jorge Rodríguez Goals: 49m Curro 81m Own goal (Basualdo) Team selection: Shock selections were Matias playing on left wing, and Diego Cervero Oviedos’ talismanic striker not making the starting XI, Jorge Rodríguez preferred upfront. 5 players made debuts (defenders Dani Hedrera, Fariña and Gonzalo and forwards Alex García and Jorge Rodríguez). Goals: Jorge Rodríguez fouled for the penalty, converted by Curro. Secong goal put away by Pontevedra defender from Curros cross from the left wing. By all accounts Oviedo put in a good performance against a very good side. They kept a lot of possession and showed quality throughout the team. The new look defence looked very compossed and capable against that opposition. Mario Preito and Curro as the "doble pivote" bossed the midfield and that partnership will not be matched by any Tercera side. Alex García and Jorge Rodríguez showed enough to suggest that they'll be a handfull next season to Tercera defences. Big suprise selection Matías impressed on left displaying a good turn of speed and showing good qualities, will he keep his place when the league campaign starts? A great performance and fantastic result. S.D. Ponferradina (2ªB) are the next opponents in the cup at home (one off game again) on 3rd September. Winner advances to first round of the Copa del Rey. Tercera campaign begins this Sunday at home to Cudillero who finished 5th last season.
Real Oviedo on Youtube: Pre-Season 2008-09 Goals: http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=X3eTdDLuc64 Real Oviedo 2-0 Pontevedra (Copa del Rey) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caXg82GdDuA The two videos above are listed by the two most frequent contributers of Oviedo clips on youtube, GuerroAzul and Flip170. If you are interested in Oviedo look through their other videos, there's loads of old clips and music such as Melendis new club song.
Match 1: Sunday 31st August (home) Nuevo Carlos Tartiere Opposition: Cudillero History: Cudillero have had 2 seasons in Tercera division finishing 5th last season and 8th the season before, other than that they've played in Asturian regional divisions. Cudillero itself is a picturesque fishing village east along the coast between Gijon and Galicia. Last season: 1-1 away draw at Christmas and a 3-0 home win last game of the season. Cudillero were one of the strongest sides in the group at the mid point in the season when the two teams met (first time in their history) and they were in the Play-off frame right until the last match of the season when a heavy defeat ended their hopes of a top 4 finish. Prediction: Cudillero have made no stand out summer signings but have kept key players Jimmy and Chavi so should be in the Play-off picture again this season. A test to begin with but not one of the teams Oviedo should lose to, certainly not at home. On a high from Wednesdays win against segunda B opposition should be an opening day win for Oviedo. Odds: Oviedo win 6-5, draw 5-1, Cudillero win 10-1.
Match Squad (home) Cudillero 20 Players named including youth teamers Pablo Naredo, Nico, Nacho Mendez and Pelayo. A breath of fresh air after last seasons reluctance to blood any youth talent. Team pretty much picks itself with the only potential selection issues being the forward roles. In the Copa del Rey victory Matias played on the left wing and Jorge Rodríguez as the loan striker. Do you change a winning team? if not then that means "Pichichi" Diego Cervero will be on the bench. Neither of the left wingers signed in summer (Armando Invernón and Jorge Valiente) are fit for the match so Matias will start. Jaime was unlucky not to start midweek with Matias a shock selection but in Matias defence he did put in a good performance so would feel himself unfortunate not to start this Sunday. Goalkeepers: Aulestia Iván Defenders: José Luis Gonzalo Dani Hedrera Fariña Iker Lasarte Pablo Naredo Nico Midfielders: Mario Prieto Curro Jaime Sergio Villanueva Nacho López Pelayo Forwards: Matías Diego Cervero Alex Jorge Rodríguez Nacho Méndez Probable Team (Team that won midweek) Aulestia Gonzalo -- David Fariña -- Dani Hedrera--Lasarte Curro ----- Mario Preito Sergio Villanueva ----- Alex-------- Matías-------- Jorge Rodríguez
Results Match 1: Tercera Group 2 …......…. Real Oviedo... 2 - 0 ... Cudillero …......…. Candas….….... 1 - 0 ...Siero ....…..…. Lealtad…....…. 1 - 0 ... Ribadesella …......…. Navarro…....… 0 - 1 ...Nalon …......…. Llanes……...... 2 - 1 ...Aviles …......…. Ceares…....…. 0 - 2 ...Tuilla …......…. Universidad... 5 - 0 ...Gijon Ind. …......…. Caudal……..... 0 - 0 ...Condal …......…. Langreo…...... 3 - 0 ...Covadonga …......…. Mosconia….... 4 - 4 ...Astur No big shocks other than Caudal beginning with a goal-less draw at home, all the other likely Play-off contenders started off with victories. Good away win for Nalon at Navarro but a very predictable set of Results. The two teams likely to contest the wooden spoon began with heavy defeats, Covadonga and Gijon Industrial. Real Oviedo 2-0 Cudillero Highlights: http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=PKOhV5H7p20 Real Oviedo: 4-2-3-1 GK Aulestia RB José Luis (Matías 46m) CB Dani Hedrera CB Fariña LB Iker Lasarte DM Mario Prieto DM Curro (Pelayo 87m) RM Villanueva (Cervero 46m) AM Alex LM Jaime CF Jorge Rodríguez. Goals: 7m Lasarte 26m Jaime Real Oviedo begin season with a win but hardly impressed against very poor opposition. The team that beat 2aB side Pontevedra 4 days ago had 2 changes Jose Luis replacing Gonzalo at right back (not 100% fit) and Jaime replacing Matías on left of midfield. Iker Lasarte scored the first on 7 minutes converting a Curro free-kick. After that Cudillero had a decent spell resulting in 2 good chances. A comical second came on 26minutes from a mix-up in the Cudillero defence and Jaime stabbed home after good work from Jorge Rodriguez. Cudilleros manager was sent-off disputing the second goal and on 43 minutes Cudillero had defender Quintana sent-off for a second yellow card which effectively ended the contest. Second Half was like a training exercise Cudillero defence against Oviedo attack, on came strikers Cervero and Matias at half-time in all out Oviedo attack mode. But build-up play was too slow and meticulous and the final ball was continually a let down, total possession wasn't turned into goalscoring chances. The only real chance was ruled off for offside although Diego Cervero launched into one of his trademark comical goal celebrations not noticing the linesmans flag. Big plus point - youth teamer Pelayo made debut for Real Oviedo. Already been tagged with the nickname "Jokanovic of the Requexón" after the Yugoslavian international who played in the great Oviedo side that played in European competition.
Next Match: Wednesday 3rd September Final Preliminary Round Copa Del Rey Sociedad Deportiva Ponferradina History 2ª Division: 1 season (2006-07) 2ª Division B: 15 seasons Champions: 2 3ª Division: 46 seasons Champions: 3 Last 5 Seasons: 2007-08 2ª División B 1st (Didn’t get promoted) 2006-07 2ª División 20th 2005-06 2ª División B 4th 2004-05 2ª División B 1st 2003-04 2ª División B 7th Similar standard of club to Pontevedra (who Oviedo beat in first round), ie a damn good Segunda B side. Form: Won preliminary Cup game but also began league season with a victory (2ªB) 1-0 v Guijuelo (away) Ponferradina Team: Rubio; Alcaide, Borreguero, Bornes, Nacho; Rubén Vega (Oscar de Paula, min. 73), Ernesto, Povedano (Portilla, min. 59), David de Paula; Irurzun (Jonathan Valle, min. 75), Santamaría. Goal: Irurzun Remains to be seen how important Ponferradina feel the cup is and what side they put out, hopefully it will be their reserves and not many of that lot above play. Difficult to predict when you don't know what side the opposition will put out, but Oviedo have to perform better than on Sunday and then hopefully they'll win through to the first round proper. Maybe a start for Diego Cervero???
Copa del Rey - Preliminary Round 2 Real Oviedo 2-3 Ponferradina (after Extra time) Real Oviedo Formation:4-2-3-1 GK Aulestia RB Gonzalo CB Hedrera CB Fariña (Pelayo 15m) LB Lasarte DM Mario Prieto DM Curro RM Villanueva AM Álex LM Jaime (Matías 67m) CF Jorge Rodríguez (Cervero 58m) Goals: (HT 0-0, FT 1-1) 0-1 Cristian Portilla (63m) 1-1 Diego Cervero (85m) 1-2 Mario Prieto (owm goal) (93m) 2-2 Curro (114m) 2-3 Cristian Portilla (119m) Gonzalo returned at right back, Jaime keeps left midfield spot, no starting place for Diego Cervero (the new Armando Quesada?) Fariña sustained a knee injury after 15 minutes and could be out for a while, he has tests today, even worse the stretcher bearers dropped him whilst leaving the pitch! So on 15minutes the whole team changed with the injury to Fariña, Mario Preito dropped back to central defence and Pelayo partnered Curro in midfield. An amazing match ensued with the teenager impressing in what turned out to 105 minutes on the pitch against quality Segunda B opposition (and yes they did take it seriously and field their full first team). A great cup game, end to end action, first half even, second half the opposition showed a little more quality but then super sub took it to extra time. Die-goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool! With a little luck and perhaps a specialist centre back in the middle of defence a shock could well have been pulled off with penalties minutes away. Mario Preito ended the night with a shocker scoring in wrong net and then getting a second yellow and being sent-off. Great to see a manager putting some faith in a youth team player with Pelayo proving to be a terrific future prospect. With Fariñas injury and the transfer window closed will he give hot prospect Nico (youth team centre back) the opportunity of first team action? star man Curro got Oviedos secong goal So Oviedo knocked out of Cup but they impressed greatly against 2 of the best sides in Segunda B, that must give the team great confidence going into the new season. Should find out the extent of Fariñas injury after the tests today and have to hope it's not too serious and that he'll make a rapid recovery.
Bad News David Fariña sustained a breakage of the external lateral ligament of his left knee, and will be out for months maybe until after christmas. It's frustrating because exactly the same thing happened last season with Juan Luis days after the transfer window closed last season and with just one league game played Oviedo lost one of their most influential defenders for the season. Juan Luis is yet to return to full training after a terrible injury. Last season our problems were upon losing such an important player that there was little cover and when another defender or two then got injured the manager re-jigged whole side playing players wildly out of position. The new manager has shown he's not afraid to throw in youngsters to fill gaps, so hopefully Mario Preito won't be used as a defender again.
Match 2: Sunday 7th September (away) Campo Santa Cruz, Gijon Opposition: U.D. Gijón Industrial History: Gijón Industrial have had 22 seasons in Tercera division historically “yo-yo-ing” between Tercera and Regional Preferente. Highest finish in Tercera is 3rd in the 1970s but that is the only time they’ve finished in top 4. The Campo Santa Cruz 2500 Capacity Last season: Did not play Gijon managed to lose 12 of their 38 matches in Regional Preferente, sneaking 3rd place last year. Last Match: (away) Universidad Lost 0-5 Prediction: Gijon are potentially the wipping boys of the division, just a few summer signings added to last seasons pitifully insufficient squad. This is a dead cert win, just a matter of how many goals Oviedo score. Oviedo go into the match without Farina but they shouldn't have much to cope with at back - probably idea game to give Nico a full 90 mins alongside Dani Hedrera. More likely option is Gonzalo moving into centre of defence and Jose Luis playing at right-back. Is a change of formation a possibility? maybe start with Diego Cervero? whether that means dropping Jorge Rodriguez or playing front 2 is the question. Lets just stuff a team from Gijon!
Match Squad v Gijon Industrial Goalkeepers:................Midfield: Aulestia........................Mario Prieto Iván.............................Curro ...................................Jaime Defenders: ...................Sergio Villanueva José Luis.......................Nacho López Gonzalo........................Pelayo Dani Hedrera Iker Lasarte...................Forwards: Nico.............................Matías ...................................Diego Cervero ...................................Alex ...................................Jorge Rodríguez ...................................Nacho Méndez No Farina in defence means a certain change to starting XI whether that means a change of formation aswell remains to be seen. Last season against such sides frequently a 3 man defence was selected, perhaps to make room for Diego Cervero in attack this could be an option tomorrow.
Match 2 Gijon Industrial 2-1 Real Oviedo Real Oviedo: 4-2-3-1 GK Iván RB Gonzalo CB Hedrera (Nico 66m) CB Mario Prieto LB Lasarte DM Pelayo (Nacho Méndez 46m) DM Curro RM Villanueva (Matías 46m) AM Álex LM Jaime CF Cervero. Aulestia dropped in favour of youngster Ivan, Mario Preito moved to Centre Back with Pelayo debuting in his place in central midfield, Diego Cervero replaces Jorge Rodriguez as lone front man. Ridiculous, Diabolical, Pathetic, can't really say any more. Positives? Pelayo (below) made League Debut. Nacho Mendez also made debut as a second half substitute. Youngsters Nico and Ivan both got more minutes under their belts but hardly impressed. Diego Cervero scored but did little else. Basically a load of Rubbish! (swear words ommitted!)
Match 3: (home) v Siero Club Siero Real Oviedo Match Squad Goalkeepers: Aulestia Iván Defenders: José Luis Gonzalo Rubén González Iker Lasarte Nico Midfield: Mario Prieto Curro Jaime Armando Invernón Sergio Villanueva Nacho López Pelayo Forwards: Matías Diego Cervero Alex Jorge Rodríguez Nacho Méndez Siero have lost their opening 2 fixtures to the two teams that currently top the table. Oviedo cannot afford to lose and should not. Rubén González in match squad after signing midweek (able to sign outside transfer window as a free agent). Primarily a right back so possibly a strange signing with 2 already in squad. Played last season in Segunda B with Conquense. Selection issues: Rubén González likely to debut at right back with Gonzalo partnering Mario Preito in centre. With Preito in defence then Pelayo will probably keep his place in midfield. Will Aulestia come in goal for Ivan and likewise Jorge Rodríguez for Diego Cervero up front? Armando Invernón in squad for first time but unlikely to start as not 100% fit yet.
Match 3 Real Oviedo 4-1 Club Siero Real Oviedo: 4-2-3-1 GK Aulestia RB José Luis (Pelayo 79m) CB Gonzalo CB Nico (Matías 42m) LB Lasarte DM Mario Prieto DM Curro RM Villanueva (Jorge Rodríguez 61m) AM Álex LM Jaime CF Cervero Goals: 0-1 Lozano (13m) Lozano sent off (49m) 1-1 Cervero (pen.) (50m) 2-1 Cervero (68m) 3-1 Jorge Rodríguez (71m) 4-1 Cervero (84m) Team Selection: The sensible team to put out when a win is needed, with players all playing in their specialist positions. José Luis came in at right back with Gonzalo playing in centre of defence, Mario Preito resumed central partnership in midfield with Curro, and Diego Cervero kept the strikers spot. Neither Armando Invernón or new signing Rubén González risked. Youth teamer Nico got a starting spot in central defence. First Half: Just about the better taem but again no end product, sloppy goal given away means go into break 0-1 down. Second Half: Tactical substitution with Matias coming on and a change of formation, 3 at back and an extra man upfront. Match turned on 49 minute sending off of Siero goalscorer Losano, Cervero put away the resulting penalty. Oviedo had the momentum and against 10 men swamped their visitors. Diego Cervero hat-trick looks to have secured his place in the team for foreseeable future. Jorge Rodríguez scored his debut goal coming on as a second half subtitute. Anyway a wins a win and hopefully things are back on track now. Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKwkyIFAxPA
…...Week 3 Results: …...REAL OVIEDO 4 - 1 SIERO ……........CEARES 3 - 2 NALON …........LANGREO 3 - 0 TUILLA …..UNIVERSIDAD 3 - 1 COVADONGA ……........CAUDAL 2 - 1 GIJON IND. …......MOSCONIA 0 - 4 REAL AVILES IND. …….........LLANES 3 - 1 NAVARRO ……........CONDAL 0 - 0 CUDILLERO ……........CANDAS 2 - 2 RIBADESELLA …….......LEALTAD 1 - 3 ASTUR
Match 4: Saturday 20th September (away) Campo de Fútbol Juan A. Rabanal, Capacity 2000 Opposition: C.D. Covadonga History: Covadonga is famous in a number of ways. Firstly it means “The Lady of the cave", it is a famous Catholic shrine to the Virgin Mary. Secondly for the Battle of Covadonga, the first significant Christian victory over the occupying Moors and is considered to be the start of the Reconquista, almost 1300 years ago. Want to know more read the Catholic version of the story: http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j225sd_OLCovadonga_9-07.html Statue of Pelayo I First King of Asturias the commander at Battle of Covadonga The Virgin of Covadonda legend has it that Pelayo sought protection from this shrine on the eve of battle. The Football club have very little history 5 unremarkable seasons in Tercera but mostly spent in Regional Asturian leagues. Last season: Did not play Covadonga only got promoted by default finishing 4th in Regional Preferente, had an unnamed team not got promoted in the Play-offs then they would still be there. Last Match: Lost all 3 of their matches so far, currently bottom of the division. Prediction: like Gijon Covadonga should be the wipping boys of the division, but then Oviedo lost to Gijon! Lightning doesn’t strike twice and a 5-0 win would be par for the course. Wouldn’t bet against another Cervero hat-trick, but then Oviedo did lose to Gijon.
Manager Raúl González had a practice match on Wednesday (3 Halves of 30 minutes each), where he had the oportunity to experiment with formations, most notably with 3 at back and 2 upfront. 1st Half:3-2-3-2 Aulestia Hedrera.....Mario Prieto.....Gonzalo Curro.....Pelayo Rubén..................Invernón Jaime J Rodríguez........Cervero 2nd Half:3-2-3-2 Aulestia Jose Luis.....Hedrera.....Gonzalo Curro.....Mario Prieto Rubén..................Invernón Jaime J Rodríguez........Cervero 3rd Half:4-2-3-1 Aulestia Jose Luis.....Nico.....Gonzalo.....Lasarte Pelayo.....Mario Prieto Nacho Lopez....................Matias Nacho Méndez Cervero Is it going to be all-out attack v Covadonga with just 3 at back? new signing Raul and Invernón look ready for first team action. Good to see the talented youngsters getting a look in, rather than last season being completely overlooked.
Covadonga 0-3 Real Oviedo Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtJSejdPer4 Real Oviedo: 4-4-2 GK Aulestia RB José Luis CB Gonzalo CB Hedrera LB Lasarte RM Jaime (Villanueva 60m) CM Curro CM Mario Prieto LM Invernón (Nacho Méndez 64m) CF Jorge Rodríguez (Álex 79m) CF Cervero Goals: 16m Jorge Rodríguez 78m Nacho Méndez 90m Cervero Raúl González decided a change of formation was needed with Alex dropped for Jorge Rodríguez in attack. Hedrera returned to the defence after a one match absence due to injury. Easy win that could and should have been more but all that matters is 3 points especially after the Gijon Industrial debacle. Nacho Méndez got his first goal for the club and Armando Invernón made his debut, so allround a good day.
Next Opposition: (home) Ribadesella C.F History: 19 seasons in Tercera one season in Segunda B (2002-3) Form: 3 draws 1 defeat so yet to win so far. 3 goals in 4 opening matches. Poor mid table side yet to get going this season. Last season: Ribadesella finished 9th 29 points behind Oviedo Ribadesella Lost at (home) 0-1, Drew (away) 1-1 to Oviedo. Last year they were one of only 3 teams to get a point from Oviedo at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere. Match Squad: Goalkeepers: Aulestia Iván Defenders: José Luis Dani Hedrera Gonzalo Iker Lasarte Armando Invernón Midfielders: Mario Prieto Curro Jaime Sergio Villanueva Nacho López Forwards: Alex Nacho Méndez Diego Cervero Matías Jorge Rodríguez There is a suggestion that Raúl González may stick with 4-4-2 formation with Diego Cervero and Jorge Rodríguez leading a 2 pronged attack. Ruben and Pelayo didn't make 17 man squad, while Mario Preito a slight doubt after missing most training during the week with a slight injury.
Match 5: Oviedo 3-0 Ribadesella Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5uod0ygcCg Real Oviedo: 4-4-2 GK Aulestia RB José Luis CB Dani Hedrera CB Gonzalo (Nacho López 65m) LB Iker Lasarte RM Jaime CM Mario Prieto CM Curro LM Armando Invernón (Sergio Villanueva 70m) CF Jorge Rodríguez (Alex 46m) CF Diego Cervero Goals: 1-0 4m Curro 2-0 77m Alex 3-0 90m Jaime Same team that won away to Covadonga, keeping a 4-4-2 formation. Routine win.