Cazorla and Viñas Sent Off: How VAR Wrecked the Balance at Oviedo
Average Futmetrix Score: 37/100. A 0-0 stalemate that could have reshaped two relegation-battlers' seasons imploded when VAR escalated two yellow cards to reds in the final moments.
Chaos Strikes at the 89-Minute Mark
Until the 89th minute, Oviedo and Mallorca had waged a controlled intensity battle. With 62% possession, the hosts dictated play while the visitors hunted on the break—5 shots on target to the hosts' 3. Then the dam burst.
Santi Cazorla picked up a yellow card for a foul in the 89th minute. VAR intervened and upgraded it to red. Nine minutes later—deep into stoppage time—Federico Viñas suffered the same fate: yellow card escalated to a straight red by the video official. Oviedo went from 11 to 9 men in seconds, transforming an balance-ed contest into a defensive nightmare.
Escandell Stands Alone Against the Storm
Aarón Escandell was the wall between total collapse and resilience. With 5 commanding saves, Oviedo's goalkeeper neutralized Lucas Bergström's Mallorca, who made just 3 interventions. Both keepers delivered a masterclass in defensive stakes on a night where the numbers lied: 28 combined shots (8 on target) but no goals.
Pressure was relentless. Oviedo generated 15 shots with an xG of 1.11; Mallorca replied with 13 attempts and 0.77 xG. Thirteen fouls and 13 corners underscored a battle without mercy, but the late red cards transformed what could have been a crucial point into a catastrophe for Oviedo's survival hopes.
For Oviedo—19th place with just 10 points—losing two starters in the final moments is brutal. For Mallorca, the draw keeps them 15th without a win in five, but at least they escape with a full squad intact.
Key Questions
How did Santi Cazorla's red card impact the match?
VAR upgraded his yellow to red in the 89th minute. Nine minutes later, Viñas was sent off identically. Oviedo dropped to 9 men at the worst moment.
How did VAR change this match?
Two VAR interventions escalated yellows to reds in stoppage time, converting a balanced 0-0 into defensive chaos for the hosts in minutes.
What made Aarón Escandell the standout performer?
Five crucial saves kept the scoreline level amid 28 total shots. Without his heroics, Oviedo's collapse would have been even more damaging.
Why is this match rated 37/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 37/100 places this match in the "Average" category.
