Taking a step back, Real Oviedo’s season served as a textbook example of how to be a bottom-dweller. The planning was flawed, the project lacked direction from the start, transfers were delayed, the adaptation process was painful, and social divisions ran deep. Controversial refereeing decisions further stifled any hopes of a comeback. No factor favored them, and the wind never seemed to blow their way, but it is unfair to blame external factors entirely. Oviedo’s relegation in one of its most disappointing campaigns stems from a chain of errors, beginning with the aftermath of promotion. The team never truly found its footing, and the appointment of Carrión as head coach proved to be a turning point. All of this is now history for Oviedo—painful past that has been turned over. The focus must now shift to drawing conclusions, especially learning from mistakes. The Pachuca Group claims to have absorbed these lessons, and it now needs to prove it.
The gap between LaLiga Hypermotion (Segunda) and LaLiga EA Sports (Primera) is enormous. The Mexican league is closer to the Spanish second division than to the top flight. This applies primarily to competitive level, but not exclusively. First, it must be clear that the model has not changed. The same system that saw Rondón start as striker this season and led to losses is the same system that strengthened Oviedo in the second division with players like Alemán, Viñas, Seone, or Colombatto in previous seasons.
Understanding the difference is more about level. The group’s structure includes players who stand out in Segunda, but the top tier demands more. That is one lesson Jesús Martínez and his team must take away for the future.
Results heavily influence fans’ perception, but not entirely. The Pachuca Group was widely praised before the season began because Oviedo earned promotion to LaLiga, but issues like season ticket prices had already sparked discontent. The appointment of Carrión was clumsy, rushed, and, worse, created a rift that remains evident to this day.
Sports decisions should be independent of trends or public opinion, but in a special club like Oviedo, it is essential to avoid hurting feelings and creating unnecessary problems. Thinking a few good results could resolve the crisis triggered by Carrión’s appointment shows a complete lack of understanding of the issue. For the new project in Segunda, a decrease in attendance at the Carlos Tartiere stadium is expected, and the social factor is crucial. Maintaining fans’ pride and engagement must be a priority.
The most important thing is to regain hope. This is not easy in the new circumstances. A brief stay in the elite followed by a return to Segunda, tarnishing the centenary year, makes things harder. Santi Cazorla is likely to leave, a spiritual blow comparable to relegation. The retention of Almada has not been particularly welcomed by fans either. The Pachuca Group needs something fresh, different, and impressive.
In this regard, the Pachuca Group is not unreliable. Since taking over, the team led by Jesús Martínez has consistently emphasized that the project is long-term and not about immediate success. This relegation will test the group’s philosophy, which has a history of long-term operations at other clubs where it has invested.
