Numancia and Real Oviedo produced a Copa del Rey classic as their knockout tie finished 3-3 after extra time, with Oviedo eventually advancing on penalties. It was a night of relentless attacking, defensive mistakes and dramatic swings, and the scoreline barely captured the intensity of a contest that kept both sets of supporters on edge until the final kick.

Match overview

Numancia drew first blood in the ninth minute when Javi Bonilla struck from the edge of the box after a short corner routine. Real Oviedo responded in the 23rd minute through Borja Bastón, who held off his marker and finished low into the far corner. The home side restored their lead on 38 minutes when Mario Soriano converted a rebound after the Oviedo goalkeeper had parried a fierce drive.

Oviedo equalised again on 57 minutes, Ilyas Chaira finishing a flowing move down the right. Numancia edged ahead for a third time on 78 minutes through Ander Yoldi, whose header looped beyond the goalkeeper. Just as the home side looked set to hold on, Oviedo found a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser when Haissem Hassan volleyed home from the edge of the area. Extra time produced tired legs but no further goals, and Oviedo held their nerve in the shootout to progress.

Key moments

• 9′ – Numancia lead: Javi Bonilla fires in from a short-corner routine.
• 23′ – Oviedo equalise: Borja Bastón turns and finishes low into the corner.
• 38′ – Numancia restore advantage: Mario Soriano reacts quickest to a parried shot.
• 57′ – Oviedo level again: Ilyas Chaira completes a slick move down the right.
• 78′ – Numancia go 3-2 up: Ander Yoldi’s looping header beats the goalkeeper.
• 90′ – Oviedo force extra time: Haissem Hassan volleys home a late equaliser.
• Penalties: Oviedo advance after a tense shootout.

Tactical story

Numancia were brave in possession and repeatedly attacked Oviedo’s back line with early crosses and runs in behind. Their set-piece work caused problems all evening, and the home crowd fed off that energy. Oviedo, however, showed the greater composure in transition, using quick combinations to break through midfield. The visitors’ substitutions made a difference, adding fresh legs in wide areas and allowing them to sustain pressure late in the game. Extra time became a test of concentration, and Oviedo’s experience in the shootout proved decisive.

Standout players

Javi Bonilla and Ander Yoldi were central to Numancia’s attacking threat, each producing a goal and a tireless performance. Mario Soriano’s movement caused constant problems between the lines. For Real Oviedo, Borja Bastón led the line superbly, while Haissem Hassan’s late equaliser underlined his impact from the bench. The goalkeepers were busy throughout, even if the shootout ultimately separated the sides.

What it means

Real Oviedo move on in the Copa del Rey, but they will know they were pushed to the limit by a determined Numancia side. For the hosts, the defeat will sting because they led three times and came within moments of a famous result. Cup runs can define a season, and Oviedo’s resilience — particularly their late equaliser and penalty-shootout composure — could give them valuable momentum for the weeks ahead.