Oviedo's early momentum at the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere was not enough to fend off Athletic Club, who secured a 2-1 victory in the 24th round of La Liga. Ilyas Chaira put Oviedo ahead with a well-timed goal in the 30th minute, assisted by Federico Viñas. However, Athletic Club found their stride in the second half, with Mikel Jauregizar equalizing in the 58th minute before Oihan Sancet converted a penalty to clinch the match.
First Half: Oviedo Strikes Early
The first half was characterized by Oviedo's aggressive start, resulting in an early yellow card for Athletic's Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta at the 26th minute. Oviedo capitalized on their spirited play when Chaira scored from close range after a clever pass from Viñas. Despite this advantage, Athletic Club's defense held firm, preventing further damage before the break.
Second Half: Athletic Club's Resurgence
With substitutions at halftime, Athletic Club emerged reinvigorated. Jauregizar's equalizer came swiftly as he capitalized on Yuri Berchiche's precise assist. The match turned decisively in the 71st minute when Oihan Sancet calmly converted a penalty, swinging momentum in Athletic's favor. Despite Oviedo's majority possession at 54%, their inability to convert resulted in a frustrating afternoon.
Statistics and Tactical Insights
Oviedo's attempts were stifled, managing only one shot on target out of seven total, reflecting their struggle to break through Athletic's defense. Athletic Club, with 13 shots and 4 on target, showcased more clinical finishing. This victory sees Athletic Club maintain a competitive edge, rebounding from mixed recent form.
Looking Ahead
This result marks a key victory for Athletic Club, solidifying their pursuit of European qualification spots. Oviedo, meanwhile, must regroup after this setback, having shown resilience in their recent matches. Whether they can translate possession into points will be critical in their upcoming fixtures.
