Real Oviedo and Sporting de Gijón begin the 2026-27 season with a shared goal: promotion to LaLiga. Oviedo, recently relegated, seeks immediate redemption, while Sporting aims to end a decade-long stay in the second division. Both teams have strengthened their squads and enjoy record fan support, with over 51,000 combined season ticket holders. Currently, midfielder Ilyas Chaira is sidelined with an injury, but the team's ambition remains strong.
How do the teams enter this season?
Real Oviedo, after relegation, has undergone a near-complete squad overhaul. Under new manager Julián Calero, the team has made 21 departures and 14 signings, including the sales of Rahim to Bologna and Hassan to Celtic. Meanwhile, Sporting sold top scorer Jonathan Dubasin to Osasuna and added nine new players. Both teams have generated significant transfer revenue.
What are the expectations from the stands?
Oviedo's fanbase has set a record with 27,000 season ticket holders, the highest in Asturian football history. Sporting aims to match last season's 24,000 and already exceeds 23,000. Fan support is a crucial factor for both teams in their promotion battle.
Which matches open the season?
Oviedo will host Granada at the Tartiere (Saturday, 7 PM), while Sporting debuts against Sabadell at El Molinón (Monday, 7 PM). With high-profile signings, lucrative sales, and a committed fanbase, Asturian football begins the new season with optimism.
