Granada continues its winning ways while Real Oviedo struggles, losing 1-0 at the Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium on March 22, 2025. The defeat is yet another dent in the confidence of Javi Calleja's squad, which has netted only one point from their last four matches.
Coming into the match with hopes of breaking a dismal run of form, Real Oviedo faced a strong opponent in Granada. The host team took charge early, with Lucas Boyé scoring just 11 minutes into the game, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Oviedo. His close-range volley, assisted by Rubén Sánchez’s clever cross, put Granada ahead and set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Real Oviedo's performance was marked by an inability to generate significant chances. Despite making four changes to the starting lineup in a bid to shake things up, the tactical switch did not translate into effective offensive play. The vast majority of their efforts failed to trouble Granada's goalkeeper, Diego Mariño, with notable moments being few and far between.
Hassan, one of the few bright spots for Oviedo in this match, attempted to spark some life into the team, creating a good opportunity for Nacho Vidal, whose attempt was expertly parried by Mariño. However, as the first half ticked by, it became clear that Oviedo lacked the creativity and energy to threaten the Granada defense.
Throughout the match, Granada appeared more composed and purposeful in their play. Whenever they regained possession, they counter-attacked aggressively. This was highlighted in the first half when Stoichkov and Portillo each tested Oviedo's goalkeeper, Aarón Escandell, forcing him into action with shots from the edge of the area.
After halftime, Calleja opted for a substitution, bringing Seoane on for Portillo, who had struggled for form in the first half. Unfortunately for Oviedo, they emerged from the break without the necessary improvements. Errors in their buildup play led to further frustrations, allowing Boyé another chance to threaten their defense.
As the half progressed, Real Oviedo did show slight signs of improvement, with Hassan managing to test Mariño once more, this time with a powerful drive that just grazed the far post. However, as the clock wound down, it was clear that the match was slipping out of reach for the visitors.
Despite making several attempts to shift the momentum, including substitutions with Paulino entering for Hassan in the 78th minute, Oviedo failed to create any significant offensive threat. Instead, it was Granada who came closest to increasing their lead, with Manu Lama striking the crossbar and Rodelas coming close for the hosts. They maintained their lead comfortably and secured the three points.
The match ended with a score of 1-0, keeping Granada secure, while indicating to Real Oviedo that urgent changes are needed if they want to cling to their hopes of promotion. With only ten matchdays remaining, the team sits precariously in a playoff position, but their recent form poses serious concerns.
The pressure is mounting for Calleja and his players as the end of the season approaches. This latest defeat compounds the anxiety surrounding the club, with fans wondering if the team can recover from this poor stretch. With the final weeks of the season approaching, Oviedo must find a way to regain confidence and taste success on the pitch if they wish to make their promotions dreams a reality.
