Overview
- Brian Oliván passed his medical in Gijón and is expected to sign with Sporting until June with a promotion-triggered option, already named in Borja Jiménez’s 23-man traveling squad to face Leganés.
- Celta de Vigo were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Albacete on penalties after a stoppage-time equaliser, with coach Óscar Giráldez warning Borja Iglesias is doubtful for Oviedo due to a knock and the squad battling a flu bug and fatigue.
- New Real Oviedo coach Guillermo Almada publicly backed Santi Cazorla, calling him an institution at the club and denying reports he would not count on the veteran midfielder.
- CD Badajoz have strung together three league wins, equalling the best streak in Tercera RFEF Group 14 this season, and can set a new mark with a victory over Puebla de la Calzada on Saturday.
- Athletic Club’s cup tie in Ourense stretched to extra time, underscoring a season-long scoring shortfall and heavy minutes across competitions as Ernesto Valverde leans on core players heading into a brief holiday respite.