In a thrilling encounter at Ipurua, Real Madrid faced off against Eibar in a crucial Liga F match on April 12, 2025. The game, which kicked off at 18:30 local time, saw the visiting Madrid side aiming to close the gap on league leaders FC Barcelona, while Eibar sought to continue their impressive run of form.
Real Madrid came into the match with high hopes after a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad in their previous outing, with standout performances from Caroline Weir, Caroline Moller, and Athenea del Castillo. The team, managed by Alberto Toril, was looking to secure all three points to keep the pressure on Barcelona, who were set to face Atlético Madrid the following day.
On the other hand, Eibar, under the guidance of Yerai Martín, had not lost in a month and boasted four consecutive league victories, including a recent 2-1 win over Levante. The home side was eager to build on this momentum and replicate their historic win over Madrid from the first leg of the season, where they triumphed 1-0 at the Di Stéfano stadium.
As the match commenced, it was clear that both teams were determined to assert their dominance. Real Madrid controlled much of the early possession, probing Eibar's defense with a series of attacks. The visitors tested Eibar's goalkeeper Eunate Astralaga repeatedly, but she was in fine form, making crucial saves to keep the score level.
In the first half, Caroline Weir came close to scoring on two occasions, striking the crossbar with powerful attempts. Meanwhile, Eibar's defense, bolstered by Astralaga's heroics, managed to withstand Madrid's relentless pressure. The first half ended with the scoreboard reading 0-0, much to the frustration of the Madrid players who felt they had done enough to find the back of the net.
As the second half began, Madrid continued to push forward. Their persistence paid off just minutes after the restart when Naomi Feller broke the deadlock. Following a well-placed cross, Feller found herself in a prime position and unleashed a shot that left Astralaga with no chance, putting Madrid ahead 1-0. "We were pressing hard, and it felt like the goal was coming," Feller said after the match.
Despite the setback, Eibar remained resilient. Astralaga, who had previously required medical attention for a leg issue, continued to display her skills, making several key saves to keep her team in the contest. However, Eibar struggled to create clear chances, with Andrea Álvarez, who had recently returned from injury, unable to make a significant impact.
In a moment of near-miss for Madrid, Alba Redondo had a glorious opportunity to double the lead but struck the post with a header. The tension in the stadium grew as Eibar sought to equalize. Their best chance came when a cross found its way to Pizarro, but her shot was thwarted by a last-ditch tackle from the Madrid defense.
As the match progressed, Eibar's determination was evident. They launched several attacks in search of an equalizer, but the Madrid defense, led by Misa in goal, held firm. The visitors, now on the back foot, had to rely on quick counter-attacks to maintain their lead.
With time running out, Eibar pushed for a late equalizer, but Madrid's defense was resolute. The final whistle blew, confirming a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Real Madrid. This win brought them to 65 points, just one point behind FC Barcelona, intensifying the title race as the season neared its conclusion.
Post-match, Toril expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the victory in their title challenge. "Every point counts at this stage of the season, and we are focused on winning every match," he stated.
Meanwhile, Eibar's Martín acknowledged the effort of his players but lamented the missed opportunities. "We fought hard and had our chances, but we couldn't convert them today. We need to learn from this and keep pushing forward," he reflected.
The match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Eibar proving they can compete against the league's top sides. As the season progresses, the battle for the title and European spots heats up, promising thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.
Ultimately, Real Madrid's victory not only boosts their title aspirations but also highlights the growing competitiveness of Liga F, where teams like Eibar are making significant strides.
