FBL-ASIA-C1-SADD-WEHDAT
Santi Cazorla has committed to another season with Real Oviedo, signing a new one-year contract that will see the Spanish legend return to La Liga after nearly half a decade away. The 40-year-old midfielder, whose previous contract had expired earlier this summer, will continue playing for his boyhood club as they prepare for top-flight football for the first time since 2001.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Cazorla’s contributions during the promotion playoffs were crucial. He scored first with a stunning free-kick in the semi-final against Almeria and then calmly converted a penalty in the final against Mirandes. His composure and technical ability proved to be decisive in high-stakes moments, proving that even at 40, his influence on the pitch remains profound.
#MagiaPerpetua ♾️💙#RealOviedo 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/h1Mk7eMtaM
Santi Cazorla
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Cazorla’s journey with Oviedo is deeply personal. He spent his formative footballing years in the club's academy, but financial turmoil at the time prevented the club from offering him a professional deal. Forced to leave in 2003, Cazorla went on to build a glittering career across Spain, England, and Qatar. In 2012, when Oviedo was teetering on the brink of extinction, Cazorla joined a group of former players who purchased shares to help rescue the club from collapse. Since rejoining in 2023 following a stint with Al Sadd in Qatar, he has racked up 61 appearances, five goals, and nine assists.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cazorla is no stranger to triumph and adversity. A double European Championship winner with Spain in 2008 and 2012, he was once among the most admired midfielders in world football. But in 2016, an Achilles injury threatened to end his career prematurely. Over the next two years, Cazorla endured 11 surgeries, including one operation that led to a gangrene infection. His rehabilitation culminated in a remarkable stint at Villarreal following his time at Arsenal, where he had made 180 appearances and played key roles in back-to-back FA Cup wins in 2014 and 2015.
Santi Cazorla
WHAT NEXT FOR CAZORLA?
Though age will likely prevent Cazorla from consistently completing full matches in La Liga, his value to Oviedo extends far beyond matchday contributions. In the dressing room, his presence offers a benchmark of professionalism for younger teammates. On the pitch, he has already shown he can rise to big occasions when needed, and manager Veljko Paunovic will surely look to use him in key moments throughout the campaign.
[(Elche CF) Strength]: 1. Elche CF signed striker Rafael Mir on loan from Sevilla FC in the middle of the month. In his debut in the last game, he helped the team score a goal and his performance was commendable.2. Elche CF drew 1-1 with strong Atletico Madrid in their last away game. The first two matches of the new season both ended in draws, but considering that the opponents were all strong, s...
[(RC Lens) Strength]: 1. RC Lens have recorded 1 win and 1 loss in the current league season, scoring 2 goals and conceding 2 across two games, placing them 10th in the league table. The team will play at home in this fixture with strong determination.2. RC Lens' veteran center-back Jonathan Gradit has delivered a solid performance in the opening league games, anchoring the defense with crucial in...
[(Union de Santa Fe) Strength]: 1. In this match, both teams will strive for victory to advance to the quarter-final of the tournament. There is no doubt about their fighting spirit.2. In the most recent domestic league match, Estigarribia performed outstandingly, scoring the equalizing goal and helping his team draw with CA Huracan.3. Union de Santa Fe drew 1-1 with Atletico Rafaela in their last...
[(FC Groningen) Strength]: 1. Brynjolfur Willumsson scored 3 goals for FC Groningen in the new Eredivisie season. He is currently the top scorer in the team.2. Stije Resink provided 2 assists for FC Groningen in the new Eredivisie season, making him the team's top assist provider so far.3. FC Groningen kept unbeaten in the last two Eredivisie encounters with 1 win and 1 draw, being at a mental adv...
[(FC Oss) Strength]: 1. Mart Remans scored a goal in the last game, and his performance is still worthy of praise.2. FC Oss have performed well at home recently, winning 4-0. The team's recent home performance is still acceptable.[(FC Oss) Weakness]: 1. FC Oss lost 2-5 to FC Den Bosch in the last game and suffered two consecutive defeats, with poor form.2. FC Oss have performed poorly in defense, ...
Go to the Live Scores page.[(Hamburger) Strength]: 1. After returning to the Bundesliga following a seven-year absence, Hamburger secured their first point back with a 0-0 away draw against Borussia Monchengladbach in the opening round of the new season. Now, as they return to their home ground to face local rivals St. Pauli, the team are highly motivated and aim to secure their first victory of t...
[(SC Braga) Strength]: 1. SC Braga midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar notched 3 goals and 1 assist in the last 2 games. He is expected to continue starting in this match.2. SC Braga drew 2-2 with AVS Futebol SAD in the last game, ending their winning streak. But the team are on a 13-game unbeaten run in regular time, showing stable form.3. SC Braga scored 14 goals in the last 5 games, averaging nearly 3 g...
[(Esporte Clube Bahia) Strength]: 1. Playing at home this time, Esporte Clube Bahia will strive for a win to gain an advantage in advancing, and their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.2. In the last game, Everton Ribeiro was very active in attack, providing two consecutive assists for his teammates to score.3. Esporte Clube Bahia beat Santos FC 2-0 in their last game and have achieved three consecu...
[(FC Utrecht) Strength]: 1. FC Utrecht's starting defender Souffian El Karouani delivered an assist hat-trick in the last match, becoming the team's attacking engine and putting in a remarkable performance.2. FC Utrecht won 4-1 over Excelsior Rotterdam in the last match, securing a 2-game winning streak. They achieved 4 victories in the last 5 games, showing outstanding form.3. FC Utrecht scored 1...
[(ACF Fiorentina) Strength]: 1. ACF Fiorentina performed well in the UEFA Conference League, with 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in the last 10 games, a win rate up to 60%. They have won the last two cup games.2. ACF Fiorentina performed well at home in the UEFA Conference League. THey kept unbeaten in the last 10 home games with 6 wins and 4 draws.3. ACF Fiorentina's defense has been solid recently...
- 1 Lamine Yamal goes public with rapper girlfriend
- 2 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 3 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 4 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 5 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 6 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 7 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 8 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 9 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 10 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.