Real Oviedo Returns to LaLiga After 24 Years Following Playoff Victory

Real Oviedo has achieved promotion to La Liga after 24 years, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Mirandes in the promotion play-off final. The decisive second leg saw Oviedo overturn a first-leg deficit with goals from Santi Cazorla, Ilyas Chaira, and Francisco Portillo, the latter scoring in extra time to clinch the win. The club, now joining Levante and Elche in the top tier, will replace relegated teams Leganes, Las Palmas, and Valladolid. This return marks a significant milestone under the leadership of Grupo Pachuca, which took control of the club in 2022 and made key management and player changes, including hiring coach Veljko Paunovic, who led the team to an unbeaten streak late in the season. Oviedo's playoff run included eliminating favorites Almería and Mirandés, highlighting the success of Grupo Pachuca's international football ambitions. Coach Paunovic praised the players as heroes, emphasizing the emotional and sporting significance of this promotion.