Ex-Arsenal star Santi Cazorla’s fairytale return to Real Oviedo has ended in glory as the side clinched promotion to La Liga after a 24-year wait.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Cazorla lead Oviedo to La Liga promotionSide came back from a 2-0 first-leg defecitReturned to boyhood club in the summer of 2023Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Oviedo pulled off a dramatic comeback against Mirandes to earn promotion to La Liga. Trailing 2-0 on aggregate, Oviedo roared back, sparked by Santi Cazorla’s penalty just before half-time. A second-half equaliser, a red card for Mirandes, and an extra-time winner completed the turnaround, triggering wild celebrations at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Cazorla’s return to boyhood club Oviedo in 2023 was all about love, not money. He even offered to play for free and accepted the league’s minimum salary. Now, aged 39 and after 10 surgeries, he’s delivered the perfect ending by guiding Oviedo back to the top flight for the first time since 2001.
TELL ME MORE…
Cazorla was all smiles at full-time, celebrating with wife Ursula and embracing tearful fans. His quiet leadership and composure helped complete one of the most emotional promotions in Spanish football this season.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR CAZORLA?
Cazorla’s future remains uncertain, as while retirement is possible due to his long-standing injury struggles, Oviedo and their fans will be dreaming of one more season in La Liga with their legendary playmaker.
