Real Oviedo take 'impossible step' on road to salvation

    By Jonathan Hawkins

    Updated 1435 GMT (2235 HKT) June 3, 2015

    Real Oviedo fans show their support for the club in the Estadio Carlos Tartiere with a banner reading "For the future of Real Oviedo". The Spanish club had needed to raise €1.9 million ($2.4 million) by November 17 2012 or go bust.
    Photos: From liquidation to promotion
    Real Oviedo fans show their support for the club in the Estadio Carlos Tartiere with a banner reading "For the future of Real Oviedo". The Spanish club had needed to raise €1.9 million ($2.4 million) by November 17 2012 or go bust.
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    Earlier that month, Oviedo's board announced a share issue to attract investment and save the club. Remarkably the scheme took off as fans from all over the world bought the €11 ($13) shares after Oviedo's precarious position was highlighted on Twitter.
    Photos: From liquidation to promotion
    Earlier that month, Oviedo's board announced a share issue to attract investment and save the club. Remarkably the scheme took off as fans from all over the world bought the €11 ($13) shares after Oviedo's precarious position was highlighted on Twitter.
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    Oviedo fans display a banner: "Happen what may, Oviedistas until death."
    Photos: From liquidation to promotion
    Oviedo fans display a banner: "Happen what may, Oviedistas until death."
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    Spanish football expert and long-time Oviedo supporter Sid Lowe was a key figure in publicizing the club's plight and is now feted in the city. "It's bizarre," he told CNN. "In fact on some levels it's slightly uncomfortable in a way. But people are extremely nice to me."
    Photos: From liquidation to promotion
    Spanish football expert and long-time Oviedo supporter Sid Lowe was a key figure in publicizing the club's plight and is now feted in the city. "It's bizarre," he told CNN. "In fact on some levels it's slightly uncomfortable in a way. But people are extremely nice to me."
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    Mexican businessman Carlos Slim was so impressed by the interest of fans in Oviedo from across the world -- he described their support as "extraordinary" -- that the tycoon pumped in a further $2.5 million to become Oviedo's majority shareholder.
    Photos: From liquidation to promotion
    Mexican businessman Carlos Slim was so impressed by the interest of fans in Oviedo from across the world -- he described their support as "extraordinary" -- that the tycoon pumped in a further $2.5 million to become Oviedo's majority shareholder.