SD Eibar - Athletic Club

Athletic Club drew two all in their visit to Sociedad Deportiva Eibar, in a match where the result was first favourable to us after Raúl García’s goal but then the tables were temporarily turned. Fortunately, a well-timed strike from Villalibre rescued a point in a derby that seemed lifeless due to the lack of spectators at Ipurua. The lions have recorded their second draw in a row after the COVID-19 stoppage, and now they are looking ahead to their next clash against Betis to try to break their drawing streak.

The score was turned in the lions’ favour early in the game. After Dmitrovic saved a short-range shot by Córdoba -from a ball sent from Capa- with his skilled hand, Yuri sent a venomous chip inside the box, which Escalante stopped with his right hand. Prieto Iglesias had to check the monitor before awarding the penalty kick. It was the 7th minute and Raúl García did not have mercy.

The Red and Whites had already done the hardest part. However, we all know that Eibar never gives up. They warned the lions with a direct free kick taken by Cote but it was stopped by Simón and with their second chance the game was equalised. It was thanks to a cross from Orellana to the far post that Pedro León extended to Kike García, who sent the ball to the back of the net.

The pace of the game went out of control, and the pressure on both teams made it impossible for them to have any passing precision. Gaizka Garitano’s lads tried to take a step forward just before the break, but they could not get to score. Even Sergi Enrich, with a header, forced Simón to clear the ball out for corner.

Eibar put all their energy into it looking for a victory that would manage to save them. After Mendilibar was sent off, Sergi Enrich created a scoring chance with a header that ended up in Simón’s hands. Athletic responded then with a crossed-shot from Williams. It was certainly a match without many chances.

It was in the final quarter of an hour that a disputed penalty was awarded after a foul on Dani García, which also required consulting VAR. Simón guessed his intentions correctly, but he could not stop Orellana from netting it. Athletic responded immediately and Villalibre -as soon as he stepped onto the pitch- finished off a fine chip with his right foot after a cross from Dani García. His first goal in LaLiga came just at the right time. There was no time for more afterwards except for a final chance created by Quique González.