Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Real Oviedo Secures La Liga Return After 24 Years
Real Oviedo triumphed, securing their long-awaited return to La Liga after a 24-year absence with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Mirandés. The promotion playoff saw an impressive performance, including a goal from the esteemed 40-year-old Santi Cazorla, marking a significant moment for the club and its supporters.
Triumphant Victory at Estadio Carlos Tartiere
Oviedo emerged victorious with a 3-1 home win on Saturday during the promotion playoff, successfully overcoming a first-leg deficit. Goals from Santi Cazorla, Ilyas Chaira, and Francisco Portillo fueled the turnaround. The electric atmosphere at Estadio Carlos Tartiere witnessed jubilant fans flooding the pitch as the final whistle blew.
Cazorla’s Journey: From Youth Team to La Liga Hero
Early Career and Return to Oviedo
Santi Cazorla’s journey began in Oviedo’s youth ranks at age eight, drawing inspiration from club legends. Despite a forced departure due to a financial crisis a decade later, he excelled with Villarreal, Arsenal, and the Spanish national team. Two years ago, he returned to his boyhood club, affirming his commitment by stating, “I would play for free but you’re not allowed.”
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Decisive Goals and Promotion
- Cazorla previously scored a crucial goal from a free-kick in the playoff semi-final against Almería.
- In the second leg against Mirandés, Cazorla converted a penalty, leveling the aggregate score after Joaquin Panichelli’s opener for Mirandés.
- Chaira’s second-half goal propelled the match into extra time.
- Portillo’s decisive strike in extra time ignited celebrations among the home supporters.
Asturias Club to Compete in Top Tier
The team from Asturias, located in northwestern Spain, will ascend to the top tier alongside champions Levante and Elche. They will fill the spots vacated by Leganés, Las Palmas, and Valladolid, who faced relegation.
Coach Paunovic Praises His Team
Overjoyed with the victory, Oviedo’s coach, Veljko Paunovic, shared his elation with La Liga TV, stating, “There’s no way to describe what this means to us. These players are heroes, every single one of them. They deserve great recognition.”
Incidents Towards the End
Late red cards issued to Oviedo’s David Costas and Mirandés’ Unai Egiluz did not overshadow the momentous occasion. This achievement holds particular significance for a club that once faced near extinction, languishing in Spain’s fourth division at the start of the century.