Oviedo enters a critical juncture in their La Liga campaign as they prepare to face Levante this Saturday. The match, pitting the league’s penultimate and last-place teams against each other, is widely considered a must-win for the Azulones if they hope to remain in contention for Primera División survival.
The atmosphere at El Requexón was focused on preparation as Guillermo Almada oversaw training on Thursday morning. However, the Uruguayan manager faces a growing list of unavailable players, casting a shadow over his team selection for the weekend. The situation is particularly acute as Oviedo desperately needs positive results to climb out of the relegation zone.
Currently, Ovie Ejaria, Lucas Ahijado, Dendoncker, and Thiago Borbas remain sidelined due to injury and will not be available for the trip to face Levante. Adding to Almada’s concerns is the uncertain status of Luka Ilic, who has been working in the gym due to physical issues and appears increasingly unlikely to feature in the match. Ilic has been a key player, starting in the recent draws against Espanyol and the victory over Valencia, making his potential absence a significant blow.
With Ilic’s participation in doubt, a competition for the right-wing position has opened up. Hassan and Ilyas Chaira are both vying for a starting spot, presenting Almada with a tactical decision. On the left flank, Thiago Fernández appears to have solidified his position, having added two assists to his tally in recent games, including one in his debut against Girona. Fernández’s consistent performance provides a degree of stability in an otherwise unsettled lineup.
The team conducted training at the El Requexón sports complex, focusing on tactical drills and set-piece work. The session included a full-field 11-versus-11 scrimmage, allowing Almada to assess potential lineups and combinations. Several players from the reserve team, including Arturo Arribas, Narváez, Pablo Agudín, Martín, Adri Fernández, and Marcos Lopes, were too involved in the training session, providing additional options for the manager.
This match against Levante represents a pivotal moment for Real Oviedo. For a club battling relegation, every point is crucial, and a victory against a fellow struggler could provide a much-needed boost in confidence and momentum. The stakes are exceptionally high, and the outcome could significantly impact their chances of avoiding the drop.
The absence of key players forces Almada to consider alternative strategies and rely on squad depth. The ability to adapt and find solutions in the face of adversity will be paramount. The team’s resilience and determination will be tested as they navigate this challenging period.
While the situation is undeniably difficult, the players and coaching staff remain focused on the task at hand. The support of the fans will be vital as they embark on this crucial encounter. The team will be looking to build on their recent win against Valencia and deliver a performance that will inspire hope for the remainder of the season.
The final training session is scheduled for Friday morning, after which Almada will announce his squad for the trip to Valencia. The team will then travel to the Ciutat de Valencia, where they will face Levante in what promises to be a tense and fiercely contested match. The outcome of this game could very well define Oviedo’s season.
Fans can follow the match live on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 18:30 local time. Updates and analysis will be available on the club’s official website and social media channels. The club is urging supporters to rally behind the team as they fight for their Primera División survival.
Next up for Real Oviedo is this crucial away match against Levante. The team will require a strong performance and a bit of luck to secure a positive result and boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.
