Reading FC v Barnsley. Sky Bet League One 24/25. _(Image: ©Jason Dawson)_
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Former Reading midfielder Ovie Ejaria made his long-awaited return to competitive football over the Bank Holiday.
The 27-year-old made 127 appearances for the Royals and became iconic for his incredible technical ability and match-winning moments.
However, he also became infamous for his lack of availability, having his contract cut short in December 2023.
Travelling around the globe on trial, featuring for the likes of Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle and Zamaluk in Egypt, the former Liverpool youngster signed a two-year deal with Spanish top-flight club Real Ovideo.
Under the management of former Royals boss Veljko Panovic and playing alongside Arsenal star Santi Cazorla, the former England youngster made his first appearance for 1,021 days in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid.
Coming off the bench for the final 18 minutes, superstars Kylian Mbappe (x2) and Vinicius Junior found the net at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium.
Ejaria's last match before then came at Vicarage Road as Watford beat Paul Ince's Royals 2-0 on November 8.
He returned to the SCL Stadium in May as a supporter, pictured pitch side with Amadou Mbengue and Yakou Meite.