Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla inspired a dramatic comeback as his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, won the La Liga 2 play-off final on Saturday to secure their return to the Spanish top flight for the first time in 24 years.
Trailing 2-0 on aggregate to CD Mirandes in the second leg, the 40-year-old Cazorla ignited the revival with a crucial penalty late in the first half. Ilyas Chaira then levelled the tie in the second half, before Francisco Portillo scored a stunning winner in extra time to seal promotion and spark euphoric scenes.
The victory marks a fairy-tale chapter for Cazorla, who rejoined Real Oviedo in 2023. The two-time European champion with Spain had also been the hero in their semi-final tie against Almeria, coming off the bench to score a decisive free-kick.
Cazorla began his career in Oviedo’s academy but was forced to leave in 2003 when severe financial issues led to the club’s collapse and eventual reformation in the third tier. A decade later, with the club facing another crisis, Cazorla was among thousands of supporters and former players who purchased shares to help keep it afloat.
His influential return completes a remarkable personal journey. After a successful six-year, 180-appearance spell with Arsenal, Cazorla’s career was nearly ended by a severe Achilles injury sustained in October 2016. He underwent 11 separate operations to fix the issue, which at one point led to a gangrene infection. Doctors had informed him he should be satisfied if he could walk again, let alone resume his playing career.
Now, two decades after he was forced to leave, the veteran playmaker has successfully guided his beloved club back to La Liga.
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