Real Oviedo have secured their long-awaited return to La Liga after a 24-year absence, sparking jubilant celebrations among fans and players alike. The Asturian club achieved this feat with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Mirandes in the second leg of the Segunda Division promotion play-off final, clinching a 3-2 aggregate win. A pivotal moment in the match was Santi Cazorla's penalty conversion, which ignited Oviedo's comeback and ultimately propelled them to victory.

The second leg, held at a packed Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere, was a tense affair from the start. Mirandes, leading 1-0 from the first leg, extended their advantage early on when Joaquin Panichelli headed home an excellent cross in the 16th minute. This left Oviedo with a mountain to climb, needing to score at least two goals to keep their promotion dreams alive.

However, just before halftime, Oviedo received a lifeline. A penalty was awarded, and hometown hero Santi Cazorla stepped up to take it. The 40-year-old calmly slotted the ball into the net, halving the deficit and injecting renewed hope into the Oviedo faithful. This goal proved to be a turning point, shifting the momentum in favor of the home side.

Seven minutes into the second half, Oviedo completed their comeback. Ilyas Chaira fired home from inside the penalty area, leveling the aggregate score and putting Oviedo ahead on the night. The stadium erupted as the realization of a potential return to La Liga began to sink in.

Despite Oviedo's dominance, Mirandes fought valiantly, and the game remained on a knife-edge. With no further goals, the match went into extra time. In the 103rd minute, Francisco Portillo scored a sensational volleyed goal, giving Oviedo a 3-1 lead on the night and a 3-2 advantage on aggregate.

The drama didn't end there. Late in extra time, both teams were reduced to ten men after a fracas resulted in red cards for Oviedo's David Costas and Mirandes' Unai Eguiluz. However, Oviedo managed to hold on to their lead, and the final whistle was met with scenes of unbridled joy as fans flooded the pitch to celebrate their team's historic achievement.

Cazorla's return to Real Oviedo in 2023, after a successful career with clubs like Arsenal and Villarreal, has been nothing short of a fairytale. The veteran midfielder has played a crucial role in Oviedo's promotion push, not only with his performances on the pitch but also with his leadership and experience. His equalizing penalty in the play-off final was a testament to his enduring quality and unwavering commitment to his boyhood club. Before this game, Cazorla himself has called this promotion playoff "the most important game of his career".

Real Oviedo's promotion marks the end of a long and arduous journey for the club and its supporters. After facing financial difficulties and even relegation to the third tier in the past, the club has finally returned to the top flight of Spanish football. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of everyone involved, from the players and coaching staff to the club's owners and passionate fanbase.

With Real Oviedo, Levante, and Elche all securing promotion, they will replace Leganes, Las Palmas and Valladolid in the 2025-26 La Liga season.