Girona turn the tables on Real Oviedo in Raul Gonzalez’s first match

Girona came from behind to beat Real Oviedo 2-1 at the Tartiere, scoring twice in three minutes to spoil Raul Gonzalez’s first match as Oviedo manager.

Oviedo had taken the lead early in the second half through Reina, but defensive mistakes allowed Abel and Bichor to complete a swift turnaround for the Catalan side.

The result gives Girona a valuable boost, while leaving Raul to reflect on a debut in which his team briefly looked set to claim a convincing victory.

Girona controlled much of the opening period under Kike Alvarez, with Isan and Beltran dictating the tempo from midfield. Their possession pushed Oviedo deep, forcing the home side to focus on winning the ball back and finding opportunities on the counter.

Raul was highly active on the touchline and made repeated attempts to adjust his team’s approach. However, Girona appeared the more comfortable side during the first half, spending much of it in Oviedo’s half.

Despite that territorial advantage, the chances were shared. Dominguez sent a header narrowly wide, while Jimenez missed a clear opportunity with a finish that should have tested the goalkeeper more seriously.

Oviedo looked to threaten from set-pieces, while Girona relied on the pace of Carles Perez and Unai. Girona’s most dangerous opening came from a dead-ball situation when Carles Perez’s left-footed strike hit the crossbar after a collision inside the penalty area.

Before the interval, Estanis and Chaira both tried their luck, but neither effort troubled Gazzaniga in the Girona goal.

Oviedo started the second half with greater purpose and eventually produced an excellent move to take the lead. Guti began the attack, Jimenez continued it and Chaira improved the opportunity before Reina finished with a fine header, arriving from behind the play.

The 1-0 advantage brought greater composure to Oviedo, who nearly doubled their lead soon afterwards. Estanis launched a strong attack and Isfan was presented with a chance to score, but Gazzaniga made the save.

Oviedo were unable to extend their advantage and then suffered a dramatic collapse inside their own penalty area.

In the 60th minute, their defenders failed to prevent Abel from finishing and watched as he put the ball past goalkeeper Aaron. Three minutes later, in the 63rd minute, Bichor took advantage of another defensive gift, following a rebound to put Girona in front.

A potential 2-0 lead for Oviedo had become a 2-1 deficit, leaving Raul’s side in a difficult position.

The new manager responded with attacking substitutions and urged his players to push forward. Oviedo showed plenty of energy and determination, but their efforts were driven more by urgency than by clear attacking solutions.

Yakubu and Morales both tested Gazzaniga, yet the Girona goalkeeper held firm to secure victory at the Tartiere and deny Raul a winning start.