Athletic Club - SD Eibar

Athletic Club drew one-all with SD Eibar at San Mamés on Saturday afternoon. The Lions took the lead courtesy of a superb volley by Yuri Berchiche in the ninth minute. However, a defensive error in the 16th minute allowed Kike García to claw back a goal for Eibar.

The Lions looked more likely to find a winner, but lacked accuracy in front of goal.

Eibar came to San Mamés absolutely sorely in need of points, but Athletic hit them hard in the first clear chance of the match.

It was a great passage of play between our full-backs. Oscar de Marcos clipped in a cross to the far post and Yuri smashed in a perfect volley. However, just seven minutes later Eibar struck back through Kike García.

Mendilibar’s side would only go close once more in the entire match. It was  a spectacular move by Bryan Gil, who sent the ball into Unai Simón‘s hands after scything his way through the Athletic defence.

The Lions had one more occasion before half-time, with centre-back Iñigo Martínez heading over from Alex Berenguer‘s corner.

Marcelino swapped both central midfielders at half-time, bringing on Dani Garcia and Unai Vencedor. Athletic’s best chance to go ahead came in the 49th minute. Captain Iker Muniain sent a low cross across goal which De Marcos got on the end of, but Eibar’s keeper Dmitrovic was alert enough to deny our right-back with an outstretched foot.

Berenguer almost scored after following up on a rebound from his own free-kick. Five minutes from time, Iñaki Williams was put through on goal after Vencedor’s blocked landed at his feet, but the striker’s shot was easily blocked by Dmitrovic.

An important point for SD Eibar as they bid to avoid relegation, while Athletic Club remain in mid-table with their minds now set on the first of their two Copa finals.

Now it’s time to move forward and start getting ready for the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad on April 3.