ARSENAL FA CUP hero Santi Cazorla helped bring his boyhood club back to the brink of a La Liga return after scoring a stunning free-kick to send Real Oviedo into the promotion play-off final.
The Spaniard, now 40, feared his career was over after complications with a leg injury almost led to amputation.
Cazorla was out of action for two years before resurrecting career in 2018 with Villarreal and the joining Oviedo after a stint in Qatar.
> "The fairytale story continues!" 🎙️At 40 years old, Santi Cazorla scores the free kick that sends his boyhood club Real Oviedo through to the LALIGA promotion playoff final 🙌
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> What a moment đź’™ [pic.twitter.com/ntVEVO71gw](https://t.co/ntVEVO71gw)
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> — Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) [June 11, 2025](https://twitter.com/PremSportsTV/status/1932909793993252907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Cazorla was sprung from the bench and made an immediate impact against AlmerĂa, winning the free kick which he then tucked away from just outside the box with his weaker left foot.
Oviedo haven’t played in the Spanish top flight since 2001 and they will face the winners of CD Mirandés and Real Racing Club, a tie that is level after a 3-3 in the first leg.