Real Oviedo Coach Calls Match Against Rayo Vallecano 'Most Important of the Year' Guillermo Almada, the coach of Real Oviedo, emphasized on Tuesday that the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano is "vital" for his team. He stated that the game, set for Wednesday at Vallecas, is the most critical of the season for the club, which remains at the bottom of LaLiga EA Sports. Almada spoke in the press room at El Requexón, highlighting that the encounter represents a final showdown for the team. The match was previously postponed a month ago due to poor pitch conditions at Vallecas, sparking a legal dispute between LaLiga, the Federation, and Real Oviedo. Almada noted that these circumstances should not impact the game itself, though he criticized the measures taken as lacking the standards of a top-tier league like LaLiga. He acknowledged the strength of Rayo Vallecano, praising their talented players and coach Iñigo Pérez. "They are a dangerous team with intense play and dangerous attackers in attack," Almada said. "Their full-backs constantly project themselves forward, requiring full concentration." When asked about the pitch conditions at Vallecas, Almada insisted they should not limit the team's performance. He stressed the importance of his players being "intelligent" to make the best decisions during the match. The game remains a pivotal moment for Real Oviedo as they aim to secure their position in the league.#rayo_vallecano #inigo_perez #real_oviedo #guillermo_almada #vallecas
Real Oviedo Faces Crucial Match in Vallecas to Regain Momentum Real Oviedo is set to face Vallecas in a critical encounter that could determine their survival in the league. The match, scheduled for this afternoon, is a chance for the northern team to bounce back after a recent defeat to Atlético de Madrid. The game carries added significance as it represents a penultimate opportunity for the club to salvage their season. The team, which had previously lost to Girona, now aims to avenge a controversial decision by Rayo Vallecano that left them in a difficult position. The circumstances surrounding the match are starkly different from a month ago. At that time, Real Oviedo entered the game with confidence following a victory over Girona, while Vallecas was reeling from a heavy loss and missing key players due to suspensions. The club’s negligence and the inaction of local authorities at the time allowed Rayo to gain an advantage. Now, Real Oviedo is facing a different challenge, having suffered a painful defeat to Atlético de Madrid. The team’s morale is low, and the coach may opt for tactical changes to address their struggles. The current squad faces several injuries, including the absence of defenders David Costas and Bailly, as well as midfielder Ovie Ejaria. Dendoncker has also been ruled out due to minor injuries, though Reina is back in the lineup and expected to start. The coach’s decision to rotate players could see Lucas move to the right wing or Colombatto return to the midfield. However, the defensive line remains unchanged, with Dani Calvo and David Carmo set to start. Calvo’s recent performance has earned praise from the coach, and the inclusion of Diego Espinosa from the youth team adds depth to the squad. The match’s outcome will have a direct impact on the club’s future.#rayo_vallecano #real_oviedo #vallecas #dani_calvo #diego_espinosa