SD Eibar - Athletic Club

Athletic Club's rich vein of form continues as they saw off SD Eibar 0-3 at Ipurua on Sunday evening to reach the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. 

On a cold, wet night in The Basque Country, Ernesto Valverde's side overpowered Los Armeros and were already 0-3 up by half-time. Asier Villalibre netted a brace while Iker Muniain turned on the magic for our third. 

By increasing the competition for places, Txingurri has managed to get himself an full squad of players who are hungry to impress every tim they step on the pitch. 

The clash started with a superb save from back-up keeper Julen Agirrezabala, the no.13 denying Jon Bautista in a one-v-one after the striker had been played through by Ager Aketxe.

Eibar were aggressive in their press and made Athletic uncomfortable. Los Rojiblancos looked for an outlet through Nico Williams and in the 17th minute Ander Herrera found the winger, who in turn picked out Villalibre with a low cross to the back post. A simple finish for the unmarked Buffalo.

Joseba Etxeberria's  troops had barely recovered when Muniain ran the length of the pitch, played a quick one-two with Nico and curled a left-footed shot into the top corner. 

As if that wasn't enough, in the 40th minute a Dani Vivian pass found Villalibre in space and the no.20 smashed a left-footed shot which took a deflection off Stefan Simic before hitting the back of the net.

It was all plain sailing from that point on. Athletic defended their lead with ease and looked to conserve energy and bodies for the upcoming derby against Real Sociedad.

In the second half, Eibar's Stoichkov threatened early on, but Athletic also had chances via a Yuri header and a sharp shot by Unai Gomez. 

A motivated Muniain went close after taking on the entire Eibar defence while Raúl García had a late chance too.

The good times continue at Athletic.