Against all odds, 40-year-old former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla scored the decisive goal that propelled his boyhood club Real Oviedo into the La Liga play-off final.
Eight years after doctors told him he might never walk again due to a severe Achilles injury, Cazorla came off the bench at half-time and, within four minutes, curled a free-kick with his weaker left foot.
This crucial strike leveled the semi-final second leg against Almeria 1-1, securing Oviedo a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Cazorla, who endured 11 operations and battled gangrene to restart his career, rejoined Oviedo in 2023 on a minimum salary, determined to help them return to Spain’s top flight for the first time since 2001.
His remarkable comeback continues as Oviedo now face either Mirandes or Racing Santander for promotion.
