In a remarkable comeback story, 40-year-old Santi Cazorla, a former Arsenal star, defied medical odds to score the decisive goal that propelled Real Oviedo to the La Liga play-off final, eight years after being advised he should feel grateful just to walk again.
Entering the match as a substitute at half-time, Cazorla helped turn the tide for Oviedo, who were down 1-0 to Almeria in the second leg of the play-off semi-finals.
Just four minutes after stepping onto the pitch, he scored a stunning free-kick with his less-favored left foot, putting Oviedo ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, advancing Oviedo to the final, where they will vie against either Mirandes or Racing Santander.
Post-match, Cazorla reflected, “I’m savoring the remaining moments of my career, fully aware that it’s drawing to a close. My goal is to enjoy this journey. I was disappointed about not starting, but I knew the significance of this game. I’m glad I could contribute to the team.”
Cazorla, a two-time Euro champion with Spain, had a remarkable six-year tenure at Arsenal, where he made 180 appearances before departing in 2018 amid persistent injury challenges.
His struggles began with an Achilles injury in October 2016, ultimately leading to 11 surgeries, including one that resulted in gangrene, prompting doctors to suggest he might only be able to walk.
Determined to revive his football career, Cazorla underwent a complex Achilles reconstruction, with skin grafting from his tattooed left arm to his injured right ankle.
After his Arsenal stint, he played two seasons at Villarreal before moving to Qatar for another three years.
In 2023, he made a heartfelt return to his childhood club Oviedo, accepting a minimal salary in hopes of guiding them back to La Liga for the first time since 2001.