The battle for survival in La Liga has lost a contender: Real Oviedo has been confirmed as the first club to be relegated this season. Their fate was sealed following the result at Vallecas, confirming what had been anticipated for weeks—the Asturian side’s return to the top flight has been short-lived.
Javier Almada’s squad can take some small pride in having avoided relegation being confirmed on their own pitch, after a 0-0 draw on Sunday. That match perfectly encapsulated their campaign: a competitive team lacking firepower up front, controversial refereeing decisions, and a gritty but uninspired performance that fell short of the points needed in such a demanding league.
That goalless draw, played with two men down against Getafe, was followed by recognition from the stands—despite the fracture between the fans and the board, the supporters never turned their backs on the team. It also featured an ovation for captain Santi Cazorla, with chants urging him to stay for another season. However, that scenario looks unlikely: the international has hinted that these are the final chapters of his playing career.
Girona’s result sealed the verdict for Oviedo, but the consequences had been clear for some time. The season went off the rails almost from the start, with the departure of Paunovic—the hero of promotion—and the appointment of Carrión, whom many had already written off after his previous exit, marking the turning point. From then on, Oviedo fought against the tide, cycling through three managers and a squad lacking the quality to make up lost ground. It was not enough.
Now, Grupo Pachuca, the club’s majority shareholder, claims to have learned from its mistakes and announced changes. There will be squad adjustments, a direct consequence of relegation, but also changes in the organizational structure. The most significant move is the planned hiring of a sporting director to take charge of squad building. However, Pachuca still trusts Lleida and Roberto Suárez—the architects of the current team—in slightly different roles. Bringing in another strong figure in the sporting department will also test Pachuca’s system, where Jesús Martínez, the group’s eccentric owner, remains active in decision-making, even suggesting players to sign. He will also have the final say on the sporting director’s appointment.
What remains for the team? Despite the expected outcome, the squad is training at El Requexón with the promise of finishing the season with dignity, as the badge deserves. Almada led the morning session with the substitutes after the hard-fought draw against Getafe, and is now preparing for Thursday’s match at the Bernabéu. After facing Real Madrid, Oviedo will have to cope without suspended players Javi López and Sibo, as well as the injured Dendoncker. They will then host Alavés at home and travel to Mallorca for the final league fixture.
