Santi Cazorla is a Real Oviedo legend! Ex-Arsenal star completes fairytale season by inspiring incredible comeback to seal La Liga promotion

Real Oviedo pulled off a dramatic comeback against Mirandes to earn promotion to La Liga. Trailing 2-0 on aggregate, Oviedo roared back, sparked by Santi Cazorla’s penalty just before half-time. A second-half equaliser, a red card for Mirandes, and an extra-time winner completed the turnaround, triggering wild celebrations at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

Cazorla’s return to boyhood club Oviedo in 2023 was all about love, not money. He even offered to play for free and accepted the league’s minimum salary. Now, aged 39 and after 10 surgeries, he’s delivered the perfect ending by guiding Oviedo back to the top flight for the first time since 2001.

Cazorla was all smiles at full-time, celebrating with wife Ursula and embracing tearful fans. His quiet leadership and composure helped complete one of the most emotional promotions in Spanish football this season.

Cazorla’s future remains uncertain, as while retirement is possible due to his long-standing injury struggles, Oviedo and their fans will be dreaming of one more season in La Liga with their legendary playmaker.