Pellicer’s team, with safety in the category assured since last night, stepped on to the pitch at the NMR Carlos Tartiere with confidence, but not resting on their laurels, against a rival needing points to remain in the silver division for another season.
Reserve team player Mini made his debut in the first team starting line-up in an official match. Ismael and Cristo made up the trio of reserve team members in the 11, and another trio which included Yanis, Jairo and Joaquín were on the attack, without a classic striker. The backbone of the starting-11 consisted of experienced players Dani Barrio, captain Lombán and Alberto Escassi.
The match was pretty even in the opening stages, without any standout chances or dangerous play in the areas. In 24’, Cristian tried his luck with a long shot that sailed close to the post. A minute later, an attempt from Rodri forced a solid Dani Barrio save. In 35’, Jairo, in a rehearsed action, sent the ball to the right post of the Oviedo goal. Then in 42’, again local striker Rodri skied the ball over the crossbar. At half-time the scoreboard remained all square, 0-0.
Without any changes, the second half got underway. First Jairo, then Juanjo for the locals immediately afterwards, launched shots at the target from outside the area in 48’. However, it was a long shot, from Lucas, that found the net to put Oviedo in the lead (1-0, 61’).
Pellicer reacted by bringing on Caye and Jozabed for Mini and Yanis. In the 80th minute, Cristian looked for a goal with a low shot that was stopped in its tracks by Femenías. Stefan, in place of Jairo, was the third attacking change for the Malaguistas. In the closing stages there were another two substitutions: Alexander and Larrubia replaced Ismael and Cristian.
In the final minutes, MCF tried to go level with the odd rapid transition, but without successfully approaching the Oviedo goal. Even Dani Barrio went up to lend a hand during a corner in stoppage time. Yet the equaliser never arrived, and the points remain at the Tartiere.
