Real Oviedo’s 0-0 draw with Getafe keeps them in La Liga for at least one more day, though relegation could become official tomorrow if Girona secures any points against Rayo Vallecano. The point left a bittersweet taste due to the team’s fighting spirit despite playing with two fewer players.
The match also showed Santi Cazorla providing solutions on the pitch. When asked about the international’s lack of starts under coach Almada, one of the captains, Dani Calvo, was clear. “I don’t understand Santi’s lack of playing time because he is a great player. I don’t care if he is 30 or 45 years old, he is ready to play and shows it every time he comes out in the second half. He helps us keep possession, gives us set-piece quality, provides the final pass… He’s a player whose workload needs to be managed, but I believe much more could have been extracted from him.”
Calvo added about Santi, “I’ve been close to him day in and day out, and he has handled these months poorly. He has always contributed his grain of sand. Today he got emotional because his career might be coming to an end—I don’t know what will happen. He came here to get promoted, he did it, and he pulled the cart.”
Beyond the captain’s situation, the center-back explained, “The situation is difficult, almost impossible. Today is practically the final point because the chances are what they are. It could become mathematical tomorrow; we have no options left.” Calvo refused to make excuses about the referees: “I won’t complain because I don’t want to use the referees as an excuse when our level this season has been very low. It’s not in my nature to hide behind the referees. But it’s very easy for decisions to go against us. Relegation is not the referees’ fault.”
He added, “This is the first relegation of my career; I don’t know what situation will arise. My idea is to go out and compete at the Bernabeu the same way. We wear a badge on our chests that we must defend.” Finally, he addressed the fans: “First, I want to thank them for everything they have done for the team all year. We all started with great excitement. They have given their support, away and at the Tartiere, without reproach towards the players except in specific matches. The gratitude is complete. We will leave our skin on the pitch in Segunda and hope it serves to return to this category.”
