Relegation dogfight looms as desperate Oviedo host resurgent Girona
Bottom-placed Oviedo face a crucial Carlos Tartiere clash against in-form Girona, with the hosts desperate to end a 14-match winless streak.
Last chance saloon for Real Oviedo as they welcome Girona to the Carlos Tartiere in what feels like a proper six-pointer in their battle for survival. The Asturian side are running out of road, while Girona have pulled themselves clear of immediate danger after sharing the basement with Oviedo not so long ago.
Oviedo desperate for change
The numbers make for grim reading in the Oviedo camp:
- 14 consecutive matches without a win
- Rooted to the bottom with just 13 points
- A nine-point gap to safety that’s threatening to become a chasm
Guillermo Almada welcomes Thiago Fernández into the squad, with the Villarreal loanee potentially making his debut in the blue shirt. Nacho Vidal looks set to reclaim his right-back position despite Lucas Ahijado’s decent showings recently, while Fede Viñas will continue leading the line up front.
The club’s ticket promotion has worked a treat with a packed house expected despite the early 14:00 kick-off. The supporters’ groups have made their frustrations with Grupo Pachuca’s management crystal clear, but they’ll be right behind the players when they cross the white line.
Girona finding their feet
Míchel’s men are in a proper purple patch, unbeaten in four league matches in 2026. They were gutted not to make it four wins on the bounce after conceding a 94th-minute equaliser against Getafe last time out, but they’ve still created some breathing space in the table.
Currently sitting 10th, Girona have:
- A four-point cushion above the drop zone
- New signings making an immediate impact (Ter Stegen, Beltrán, Echeverri)
- Recovered from a disastrous start (just 1 point from their first 15 available)
The visitors welcome back Witsel, Stuani and Abel Ruiz from injury, plus Arnau and Lass return from suspension. Only Van de Beek and Ounahi remain on the treatment table.
Historical context
This is actually the first top-flight meeting between these sides at the Carlos Tartiere. Their eight previous encounters all came in Segunda, with Oviedo winning five, Girona taking two, and one draw – coincidentally in their most recent clash during Girona’s promotion season in 2021/22.
Key battle
All eyes will be on the strikers. Fede Viñas (three LaLiga goals) needs to find his shooting boots if Oviedo are to have any chance, while Girona’s Vanat has been in fine fettle with seven league goals already this campaign.
For Oviedo, this is do or die – they simply must win to avoid being cut adrift. Victory for Girona would open up a 15-point gap to the bottom side, effectively removing one relegation rival from their radar. The hosts will be desperate, but Girona are the team with all the momentum.