Oviedo staged a remarkable fightback, with Eric Bailly's injury-time equalizer securing a dramatic 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad at Reale Arena.
Real Sociedad and Oviedo battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Reale Arena in a pulsating La Liga encounter. A last-gasp equalizer from defender Eric Bailly ensured Oviedo snatched a crucial point, denying the hosts a late victory.
This La Liga clash saw ninth-placed Real Sociedad host bottom-of-the-table Oviedo. The hosts aimed to solidify their push for European qualification, while Oviedo desperately sought points in their intense fight against relegation from the top flight.
The first half was a tense affair, characterized by Real Sociedad’s dominant possession. They controlled the ball with 62% of the play, probing Oviedo's resolute defense. However, clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides.
Oviedo adopted a compact defensive shape, absorbing pressure and looking to counter quickly. The half saw only one booking when Real Sociedad’s S. Gomez received a yellow card in the 32nd minute for a foul.
Despite Real Sociedad registering 11 shots inside the box by halftime, none managed to break the deadlock. Oviedo’s goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep his side in contention, ensuring the score remained 0-0 at the interval.
The half-time whistle provided a moment for reflection. Both managers likely emphasized clinical finishing and exploiting defensive lapses. The second half promised more drama, and it certainly delivered.
The game exploded into life immediately after the restart. Oviedo’s Federico Viñas stunned the home crowd, opening the scoring in the 50th minute after a precise pass from Haissem Hassan. Just two minutes later, Viñas netted his second, doubling Oviedo's unexpected lead.
Real Sociedad responded with swift substitutions, bringing on J. Aramburu and P. Marin in the 53rd minute, followed by A. Odriozola in the 56th. These changes sparked new energy. Orri Steinn Óskarsson pulled one back for Real Sociedad in the 64th minute, assisted by S. Gomez, setting up a grandstand finish.
The tension escalated as Real Sociedad pushed for an equalizer. Defender Duje Ćaleta-Car found the net in the 87th minute, leveling the score and igniting the Reale Arena. The comeback seemed complete when Óskarsson scored his second in the 90th minute, assisted by Gonçalo Guedes, putting Real Sociedad 3-2 ahead.
However, the drama was far from over. In the 90+2 minute, veteran midfielder Santi Cazorla delivered a telling pass. Eric Bailly capitalized, slotting home a dramatic equalizer for Oviedo, completing an incredible six-goal thriller.
Real Sociedad dominated possession with 62% and registered 15 total shots, 8 on target, reflecting their attacking intent (xG 2.0). Oviedo, despite lower possession (38%) and 14 shots (6 on target), showed clinical finishing with an xG of 1.68.
This six-goal thriller leaves Real Sociedad frustrated, missing a golden opportunity to climb the La Liga table and gain ground in the race for Europe. For Oviedo, the hard-fought point could prove vital in their desperate battle to avoid relegation, offering a glimmer of hope from the foot of the table.
