The SD Eibar claimed victory over Real Zaragoza with a 2-1 scoreline during LaLiga Hypermotion, reinforcing their playoff ambitions.
The match, played at Ipurua, saw Eibar dominate much of the game, showcasing skill and determination. Antonio Puertas opened the scoring with a well-placed shot assisted by Jorge Pascual at the 21-minute mark. Eibar maintained pressure throughout the first half, consistently threatening with attempts from players like Toni Villa and José Corpas, but could not expand their lead before halftime.
Just after the break, Ander Madariaga extended Eibar's lead by scoring the second goal of the evening, marking his first goal for the first team. This impressive performance kept Eibar on the front foot and left their opponents struggling to respond.
Despite Eibar's commanding performance and control of the match, Real Zaragoza found their way back onto the scoreboard with Adrián Liso scoring at the 80th minute following strong individual play. Liso's late goal provided some excitement but was not enough to change the outcome, as Eibar managed to hold onto their lead.
Eibar, coached by Joseba Etxeberria, celebrated their third consecutive victory at home, marking significant momentum moving forward. They are now eyeing the playoff positions as they continue to build confidence with each match played. The aspect of winning at home at Ipurua cannot be understated, as Eibar's fans were treated to another thrilling display.
On the other hand, Real Zaragoza, under the guidance of Víctor Fernández, experienced their sixth match without achieving victory, which has arisen concerns about their ability to compete effectively. They currently lie 12th on the league ladder, displaying seven wins, five ties, and seven losses. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious for the team historically strong at Ipurua, as they last won here back in 2009.
Up next for Eibar is the challenge of facing Córdoba away on December 17, hoping to continue their successful streak. Real Zaragoza will look to bounce back when they host Real Oviedo on the same day, needing to find form quickly to salvage their season.
After the match, both coaches addressed the media, with Etxeberria acknowledging the significant effort put forth by his players, indicating this match could serve as a launchpad for greater achievements later in the season.
“Today’s performance was just another step forward for us,” said Etxeberria, who emphasized teamwork and determination as key components of their current success.
Conversely, Fernández admitted the unraveling of team strategies under pressure and insisted on the urgent need to address the many inconsistencies they’ve displayed recently. “We will work harder to unify our strategies, and I believe the players have the potential to improve significantly,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges faced during the match.
The match stats highlighted Eibar's supremacy, reflected in their gameplay approach and execution which saw them not only score but control the flow of the game, maintaining long spells of possession and scoring opportunities, capping off the match with over 60% possession.
Eibar’s players exhibited not just tactical awareness but also physical fitness and technical skills, potentially enhancing their collective confidence moving forward as they solidify their roles within the squad. Players like Puertas and Madariaga stood out not only for their goals but also for their contributions across the pitch.
With the excitement of the goal filled day behind them, Eibar hopes to ride this momentum against Córdoba, signaling their intentions clearly for the rest of the season. Real Zaragoza, facing the bleakness of their string of matches without victory, needs to quickly reorient and regroup as they prepare to welcome their next opponent at home, fending off the struggle to keep hope alive.
