Shocking Stuff

By: Paddy | October 28th, 2008

Deportivo 0-3 Gijon

What a difference 4 days makes in the course of a season. If the defeat by Moscow wasn’t bad enough this was pathetic.

As Miguel Lotina said after the match:

‘Sporting Gijon claimed their first win at the Riazor in 15 attempts as they ended 10-man our proud home record with a 3-0 victory.

We had not been beaten at home this season, with their three wins and two draws including an opening-day triumph over Real Madrid, but two goals in four minutes from David Barral and Gonzalez Carmelo, as well as the dismissal of Diego Colotto, put the visitors in command.

And a second-half strike from Diego Castro confirmed the win, their third in succession.

Sporting Gijon had endured a torrid start to the season with five successive defeats but their upsurge in form ensures they have climbed towards mid-table safety.

Defeat for us completed a forgettable week after we lost their UEFA Cup opener away to CSKA Moscow 3-0 on Thursday.

Francisco Maldonado, Colin and Andreu were among those missing for the visitors but striker Luis Moran was available to coach Manuel Preciado.

Argentinian defender Colotto returned for the hosts, after being rested for the CSKA game, and Riki was back after serving a suspension in Europe.

On his comeback Colotto was one of the few players to threaten either goal in the opening 20 minutes with chances scarce.

His right-footed shot from 30 yards tested Ivan Cuellar’s handling in the Sporting Gijon goal but when the defender was presented with a better chance from just 12 yards out, he failed to hit the target.

Riki also showed a rustiness in front of goal as he fired wide from distance.

Barral and Rafael Sastre had efforts for the visitors but they were similarly wasteful.

The game sprung into life in the 23rd minute when Barral was brought down in the box by Alberto Lopo and the striker converted from the spot.

The visitors followed it up with another in the 27th minute with Barral the provider this time around.

His cross from the right wing was converted by Carmelo from six yards out.

The situation got far worse for us when Colotto was dismissed for a professional foul on Barral a minute before half-time.

Encouraged by their advantage, the visitors pushed on after the break and Madera Michel forced a save from Daniel Aranzubia.

Barral was Sporting Gijon’s brightest spark and he almost got a second midway into the second half but Aranzubi saved again from 20 yards.

Juan Carlos Valeron had a rare chance for Deportivo, from 18 yards, but goalkeeper Cuellar ensured the hosts were not allowed back into the game.

And in the 85th minute the visitors killed off the game.

Diego Camacho found Diego Castro and he fired the ball low past Aranzubia from 18 yards.

In the brief time left, we could muster no response as their 10 men limped to defeat, although they remain above their opponents in the table on goal difference.’

LowLights

At least Guardado doesnt seem to worried

“Last year we suffered a lot and showed worrying signs at times,” he said, “This year we do not feel like that because we are playing well and the sensations are different.”

“When we finished a game last season we were frustrated because we didn’t do things and we were often second best; now it is different,” laughed the amiable Mexi-can

‘He should concentrate less on having good sensations and more on winning games’ said key Deportivo La Coruna analyist Patrick O’Brien

Depor Fact of the Day
Deportivo’s manager Miguel Lotina has a strange affection for High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale.

‘Its the fact that her nose is a bit wonky that does it for me’ said the amiable Spaniard

‘He should concentrate less on wonky noses and more on winning games’ said key Deportivo La Coruna analyist Patrick O’Brien

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