The dream of Santi Cazorla and Oviedo fans has ended: the Asturian club becomes the first team mathematically relegated to the Second Division. After Girona’s draw against Rayo Vallecano, Oviedo can no longer catch them, as they can only reach 38 points while the Catalan side already has 39.
At 41 years old, Santi Cazorla’s final wish was to keep his beloved Real Oviedo in LaLiga. He had already fulfilled the dream of wearing their shirt and competing in Spain’s biggest stadiums, even if his role was increasingly limited to the bench or brief appearances. But achieving survival was the one goal left—and now it is impossible.
Although the relegation had been widely anticipated, when it becomes official, the reality is harsh. Girona, who could still join them in the drop zone, moved out of reach after their result against Rayo on Matchday 35 of LaLiga.
With three matches left in the season, Oviedo will head to the Bernabéu with nothing at stake, just like their opponents. That is the consequence of winning only six of 35 league games, with 11 draws. Their 18 defeats have been an insurmountable handicap.
The lack of goals has also been crippling, making Oviedo unable to average even one goal per match. They have scored just 26 goals, at a rate of 0.74 per game. Defensively, they have conceded 54 despite Aarón Escandell’s efforts in goal. While three other teams have conceded more, including direct relegation rivals Alavés and Elche who have also allowed 54, the lack of goals at the other end made the Carbayones vulnerable.
The season began with promotion hero Veljko Paunovic, but he lasted only eight matches. The board then turned to Luis Carrión, who had a perceived unfinished business with the club, but things got worse rather than better under him. After eight games, they brought in Guillermo Almada from Valladolid. However, in 19 matches under the Argentine, he has not been able to gather enough points to escape the drop.
Under Almada, Oviedo have won four, drawn six, and lost eight, earning 18 points from 54 available. Coming from Carrión’s four points in 24 (four draws, four losses) and Paunovic’s six points in 24 (two wins, six losses), far more would have been needed to save the season.
Now, the club must prepare a squad for Segunda once again, as the current chapter closes with many players expected to leave. That includes Santi Cazorla himself, who will hang up his boots at 41 years old.