Cupset at Castalia as Castellón beat Real Oviedo (2-1)

Despite being two historic clubs of Spanish football, and playing each other many times in league games, tonight was the first time that Castellón and Real Oviedo had met in the cup, and there was a an air of excitement around Castalia in the build-up. It was also Castellón’s first competitive game against a higher-division team since the arrival of Bob Voulgaris, given the team did not participate in Copa del Rey last year.

Real Oviedo were the first side to create danger, opening up the Castellón defence with a through ball, but Schwake saved well. Barely a minute later the American had to get busy again, as a Real Oviedo player was left open on the left, but the Albinegros managed to deal with the danger.

A counter 12 minutes in allowed Castellón to test Braat for the first time, but Moyita’s low drive from far out was easy to deal with. Mamadou Traoré, starting on the left, had a good chance eight minutes later after he cut in to give himself a shot on goal, but his curling effort kept rising. In the next play, he arguably gave Grønning Castellón’s best chance of the game until that point, but the Dane’s boot couldn’t find the target.

Castellón continued generating chances and ramping up the pressure, with Suero going close from the edge of the box and another dangerous cross by Traoré being well cleared.

After a good spell of pressure from Oviedo, Grønning again went close from a corner, his powerful header going just over.

The breakthrough came just before 40 minutes, as yet another run down the left by Traoré broke open the Oviedo defence, and the Malian’s cross was deflected into the path of Suero who made no mistake. There was some doubt as to whether the ball had gone out of play before Traoré made the cross, but Castalia didn’t care with their side leading.

Real Oviedo thought they had got a quick equaliser after the restart, but Sebas Moyano’s headed goal was ruled out for offside. The result held until half time, with the home fans buoyant and producing an impressive display with smartphone lights at half time.

The home side started the second half in blistering fashion, and within five minutes Grønning had added Castellón’s second, curling in a low, well placed finish after a nice pass by Villahermosa.

Mamadou Traoré continued his phenomenal performance on the left, and two minutes after Castellón’s second gave the Albinegros a chance at a third, as he was brought down after a powerful run into the box. Sergio Moyita stepped up for the resulting penalty, but Braat guessed correctly and saved well to his left.

This seemed to give Oviedo a boost, and they soon made Castellón pay, as Alemao cut the advantage in half with 55 minutes played, powering home a finish after his header was initially saved off the line by Schwake.

The Asturian side continued their pressure, generating a few good chances and forcing Castellón onto the back foot in the middle of the second half. There was one nervous moment in particular for Brian Schwake, as he was caught sleeping by Borja Bastón, but Oviedo’s number nine couldn’t find the back of the net when he really should have.

The introduction of Haris Medunjanin lifted Castellón’s play, and he was involved as Castellón responded with a nice counter attack that should have ended with a shot on goal but was dealt with by the Oviedo defence.

As the game entered its closing stages, both sides a few good chances, but Castellón managed it well, and even took advantage of some lax Oviedo defending, as Manu Sánchez hit the bar with a couple of minutes left. The Carbayones were unable to come up with any answers, as Castellón confirmed their presence in the third round of the Copa del Rey in confident fashion.

There is now the real possibility that the Orelluts will face a La Liga team, and the prospect of seeing Real Madrid or Barcelona at Castalia is more real than ever.

CD Castellón: Schwake, Jozhua (Alberto 76), Chirino, Borja Granero, Antón (De León 67), Indias, Villahermosa, Traoré (Manu Sánchez 83), Moyita (Julio Gracia 67), Suero (Medunjanin 76), Grønning

Real Oviedo: Braat, Lucas, Luengo, Dani Calvo, Pomares, Sesé (Masca 72), Camarasa (Seoane 60), Jimmy, Sebas (Diego Menéndez 84), Cárdeno (Colombatto 60), Alemao (Bastón 72)

Goals: Suero 40, Grønning 49, Alemao 56

Referee: Oliver De La Fuente Ramos