Asturian derby: Real Oviedo vs Real Sporting - Mexican rivalry & an Arsenal legend returns

This Asturian derby is a clash which boasts almost 100 years of history and which currently has an important Mexican connection.

Real Oviedo and Real Sporting will face off once more this Saturday, September 9th, at 18:30 CEST at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. This LALIGA HYPERMOTION Matchday 5 fixture is one of the most attractive matches in Spain's second division. But, just why exactly is this regional derby so special?

Well, this derby has long been one of the most passionate and intense in Spanish football, no matter what competition or what level of the Spanish footballing pyramid the two clubs were meeting in. There are many roots to this rivalry, but the main factor is the natural rivalry between the two cities, a rivalry which dates back beyond football even further in time.

Gijón, the home of Real Sporting, is the largest city in Asturias, one of Spain's autonomous communities and a region located in the north of the country, while Oviedo is slightly smaller but is the Asturian capital city. As is the case in many regions, states or nations with a similar dynamic, there is a natural back and forth over whether the largest city or the capital city is the better and more successful one.

Real Sporting were founded in 1905, and Real Oviedo in 1926, with the clubs providing natives of each city an easy, relatable channel through which to express their natural rivalries. Since that first derby match in 1926, which Real Sporting won 2-1 on a wild and windy Asturian day, these teams have met time and time again in various different competitions.

However, there was a 14-year gap in this derby between 2003 and 2017 and this explains why modern-day meetings between the two clubs are extra special.

In 2003, Real Oviedo