It was a cup match up produced for Brits. Eyes on Real Sociedad in continued pursue to descry David Moyes' managerial comeback; as well as third tier side Real Oviedo.
Close to extinction, two years ago, Oviedo were a team who taught Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla and Michu their trade. Dire financial straits forced the club to act - fans of Oviedo called upon supporters to buy shares. That they did, teaming up with footballers around the world to generate enough cash for the historic Spanish club to survive.
Many from Britain played a part in making Oviedo occupy the most shareholders in Spain. Lifelong Oviedista's view their contribution as a major factor towards becoming one of the greatest football revivals ever told. A contribution made even more significant after tonight’s result.
A minority of British supporters made the trip, seeking further Moyes disarray - a perpetual theme back home last season. Although the weather was comparable, Moyes’ team selection was not. Despite insisting a desire to repeat John Toshack’s Copa Del Rey success of 1887, the former Everton and Manchester United boss employed nine changes to the side that delivered his first win at Sociedad against Elche last Friday.
Zubikarai,; Carlos Martinez, De la Bella, Markel, Granero, Canales, Xabi Prieto and hat-trick hero Carlos Vela were all rested, while Agirretxe was ruled out through injury. The centre-back pairing of Elustondo and Ansotegi kept their place and lined up alongside a mix of first-team, fringe and B team players. Meanwhile, Oviedo’s top scorer Miguel Linares, who has netted 18 goals in 15 appearances in Segunda B this campaign, was surprisingly left out and was replaced by captain Diego Cervero.
On a night where plenty were given a chance to impress, one fully grasped the opportunity. 21 year-old Pablo Hervias was the limelight of the trip to Oviedo for Moyes. The right-winger, who featured for the first time under the Scot, showed great awareness and crave for the ball throughout. After this inspiring performance, his feats will undoubtedly be in effect over the latter stages of the season at the Anoeta.
Oviedo started the brightest of the two sides. Right from kick-off, a wave of urge flew over the Los Azules players from the vehement home crowd. Borja Velle displayed a willingness to run at the Sociedad defenders, but when the chance arrived his shot was too tame.
It was proving tough for Sociedad, yet to win away from home this season - they seemed wary and uncertain. Form of Sergio Egea’s side’s directness was once again portrayed. A sweet move, linking defence to attack ended with Josep Sene bearing down on goal at a wide angle. Too wide for a shot, it gave time for Ansotegi to make up his ground.
A turn in superiority was inevitable. Real Sociedad evidently illustrated the gap between the two sides in the latter half of the first period. Ruben Pardo and Markel controlled, Pablo Hervias and Gonzalo Castro tricked; but a finishing touch lacked. Hervias dashed past one; two and a third Oviedo defender, finding himself one-on-one with the last man but a crucial touch took the ball away from the rushing winger. Esteban drew the first-half closed with a fine save to deny Castro in his first real test of the match.
Alfro Finnbogason was no Vela for Sociedad up front, his performance certainly won’t warrant a start in La Liga. The impressive Castro found the Icelandic at the start of the second-half, but much to the despair of his manager his mediocre shot could only consequently contrast with Castro’s delivery.
The best spell of the game came just moments later. Oviedo exerted the initial force shown as Real Sociedad’s wingers excelled in neat counter-play. Reminiscent of the early battle, Castro - Esteban returned when yet another Hervias run caused problems. His cross fell high to Castro, who acrobatically executed a superb volley towards goal. Although, Esteban won again.
Familiar chants circled the Carlos Tartiere, the stadium rocked as the fans felt an enhancement in performance. The increase was represented in a well-worked series of pressure charge’s by Oviedo’s pliant attack. One charge led to the best chance of the match. A looping cross to the far post was headed back into the danger zone, five yards out, Josep Sene blasted the ball over the bar. If anything, too good a contact.
Moyes urged his side to look for a late winner. Hervias nearly had the last laugh when another Castro in-swinger took a deflection. Yet the man of the match couldn’t sort his feet and fired wide. British power was on Oviedo's side this time out.
A tremendous outcome for Real Oviedo, who will take full belief to San Sebastian. For Real Sociedad, another clean sheet under Moyes and a result that will most plausibly see them introduce a few regular names and triumph in the second leg.
