The 2016-17 campaign saw Real Oviedo, under the high-profile but ultimately brief management of Spanish legend Fernando Hierro, finish a respectable 8th in the Segunda División. Los Azules maintained a credible push for the play-off spots throughout the season, providing renewed hope of a return to the top flight. Leading the charge with his prolific scoring was forward Toché, whose 17 goals anchored the attack and proved decisive. It was a transitional and expectant year that, while falling just short of the promotion play-offs, marked their successful second season back in the national second tier and remains a key chapter in their modern history.