Eric Bailly nets first Real Oviedo goal in six-goal thriller

Eric Bailly scored his first goal for Real Oviedo in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad in Round 25 of La Liga. The Ivorian center-back had missed several league matches after falling down the pecking order and struggling with injury.

Bailly was instrumental for the La Liga strugglers as they snatched a late draw in San Sebastián. The 31-year-old former Manchester United defender scored a phenomenal header into the top-left corner following a precise delivery from veteran midfielder Santi Cazorla in stoppage time. The goal ensured Oviedo shared the spoils away from home.

The league’s bottom side had taken a 2-0 lead after the break through a brace from Federico Viñas. Nevertheless, Sociedad turned the game around with goals from Orri Óskarsson and Duje Ćaleta-Car before conceding the late equalizer.

Bailly joined Oviedo at the start of the 2025/26 season but has managed only seven appearances in all competitions.

In his post-match interview, the defender described the second half as total madness: “In the second half, it turned into absolute madness. Honestly, total madness. I have no words to explain what happened. We had the game won, and we put ourselves in a situation where everything became complicated.”

⚡Flash Bailly⚡#RealSociedadRealOviedo#VamosOviedo 🔵⚪#DíadePartido pic.twitter.com/0jkIV09Nde

— Real Oviedo (@RealOviedo) February 21, 2026

Oviedo remain rock bottom with 17 points, eight points shy of safety.

Eric Bailly Real Oviedo Late Goal Secures Dramatic 3-3 Draw

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The Eric Bailly Real Oviedo late goal was the defining moment in a chaotic 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad during Round 25 of La Liga.

In stoppage time at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, Bailly rose highest to power a stunning header into the top-left corner, rescuing a crucial point for Real Oviedo in their battle for survival.

Eric Bailly Real Oviedo Late Goal Ends Long Wait

The 31-year-old Ivorian defender had endured a frustrating spell since joining Oviedo at the start of the 2025/26 season. Injuries and competition for places limited him to just seven appearances across all competitions prior to this match.

But when his team needed leadership and composure, the former Manchester United center-back delivered.

The Eric Bailly Real Oviedo late goal came from a pinpoint delivery by veteran midfielder Santi Cazorla. Timing his run perfectly, Bailly launched himself into the air and directed a thunderous header beyond Sociedad’s goalkeeper.

It was his first goal in Oviedo colors — and it could prove vital in the relegation fight.

A Second Half of Absolute Chaos

The match itself was nothing short of dramatic.

Oviedo, currently rooted to the bottom of the table, stunned the home crowd by taking a 2-0 lead early in the second half. Federico Viñas struck twice to give the visitors a commanding advantage.

However, Sociedad responded with urgency. Goals from Orri Óskarsson and Duje Ćaleta-Car flipped the momentum, turning the scoreline around and putting Oviedo on the brink of another crushing defeat.

Just when it seemed the points would slip away, the Eric Bailly Real Oviedo late goal changed the narrative.

Bailly’s Emotional Reaction

After the final whistle, Bailly admitted the match was beyond explanation.

“In the second half, it turned into absolute madness. Honestly, total madness. I have no words to explain what happened. We had the game won, and we put ourselves in a situation where everything became complicated,” he said.

His candid reaction captured the rollercoaster nature of the contest — from control, to collapse, to redemption.

What It Means for Oviedo’s Survival Hopes

Despite the dramatic draw, Oviedo remain bottom of the La Liga table with 17 points — eight points adrift of safety. The margin is significant, but performances like this offer a glimmer of hope.

The Eric Bailly Real Oviedo late goal may not lift them out of the relegation zone immediately, but it injects belief into a squad fighting against the odds.

Bailly’s experience at the highest level — including Premier League and European competitions — could prove invaluable during the final stretch of the campaign.