Shock and Awe in Spain: Oviedo Returns to La Liga After 24 Years!
Are you ready for the football shocker of the year? Oviedo, a club that has been out of Spain’s top flight for 24 long years, has finally clawed its way back to where it belongs – La Liga! And guess who’s leading the charge? Serbian coach Veljko Paunović, the man who already knows how to win big – remember when he led Serbia’s youth team to a World Cup victory in 2015?
Drama Until the Final Whistle
The playoff final between Oviedo and Mirandes was nothing short of a football thriller. Mirandes took a 1-0 home win in the first leg, making Oviedo’s task look daunting. But Paunović and his warriors refused to back down. Joaquin Panikelia put Oviedo ahead in the 16th minute, only for veteran Santi Cazorla to equalize with a penalty in the 39th. Then Ilijas Čaira flipped the script in the 52nd minute, sending the match into extra time. Substitute Francisco Portillo sealed the deal in the 111th minute with a goal that ended Oviedo’s 24-year exile from La Liga.
Veljko Paunović – The Hero of Asturias
Paunović took over Oviedo in late March this year and hasn’t tasted defeat in the last ten games. His tactics and leadership first secured a playoff spot, then a historic promotion to Spain’s top division. Fun fact: Paunović once played for Oviedo on loan from Atletico Madrid, and now he’s the mastermind behind their triumphant return.
Who’s Out of La Liga?
Sadly, Leganes, Las Palmas, and Valladolid are the unlucky ones dropping out this season. Before Oviedo, Levante and Elche also faced the drop. Now, Oviedo is ready to battle the giants of Spanish football.
What Does This Mean for Serbian Football?
Paunović has proven that Serbian coaches can make waves beyond their homeland. His success with Oviedo is a shining example of how grit and know-how can take you to the top. Will this open doors for more Serbian coaches abroad? Time will tell.
Final Whistle
Oviedo is back in La Liga, and Veljko Paunović is the man who made it happen. After 24 years of waiting, Asturias can celebrate, and we can only wonder – who’s next for such a fairy-tale comeback? Got a hot take or think this is too much hype for one club? Drop a comment and keep the banter alive!
After all, football is the game of surprises, and Oviedo with Paunović proves you should never give up on your dreams!
