0-0 | Eibar scores on the cold night in Granada | SD Eibar

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The eleven

The Nuevo Los Cármenes was the setting for the start of the second round marked by intense cold, the unfriendly timing of a Monday, and the sense of a turning point that always accompanies the end of a matchday. Granada and Eibar faced each other in a duel that inaugurated the second phase of the championship, with both teams forced to redefine their feelings after what happened in the first half of the season.

SD Eibar approached the match with changes in all its lines compared to the eleven that had closed the first round at El Plantío. Beñat San José opted for Jonmi Magunagoitia in goal; Cubero, Marco Moreno, Peru Nolaskoain, and Álvaro Rodríguez formed the defensive line; in midfield, Lander Olaetxea accompanied Sergio Álvarez, while Corpas, Guruzeta, and Mada positioned themselves behind Javi Martón, chosen this time as the offensive reference.

The VAR nullifies the first Armero strike

The start of the match had a Nazarí accent, at least in ball control. Granada took the lead and made the first dangerous approach with a shot from the former Armero player, Jorge Pascual, which forced Jonmi to stay alert. Eibar's response came through a quick transition, with Mada cutting inside at the edge of the box before the local defense deflected his shot to a corner kick.

From that corner came the action that could have changed the course of the match. Sergio Álvarez picked up the second ball at the far post and, with two touches, beat Luca Zidane. The goal, however, was disallowed due to Javi Martón's offside position, as he was standing in an offside position in front of the goalkeeper.

Far from being affected by the setback, Granada once again posed a threat and came close to scoring in the 20th minute. Arnaiz connected with a long-range shot that hit the woodwork, and in the next corner play, the shot grazed the crossbar, increasing the local threat.

From that point on, Eibar managed to hold their ground with order and defensive discipline to contain a rival with greater ball possession but well controlled by the Armero block. A shot from Martón and a recovery in the opposing half that Lander failed to finish were the best chances for San José's team, who grew as the minutes passed and managed to settle more frequently in the opponent's half before halftime thanks to their pressing.

A lot of containment, little clarity in the second half

The resumption came without changes on either side, although with a slight change in script. Eibar tried to gain prominence with the ball and take a step forward, stringing together their first approaches to the area. Despite this, the first action with some danger in the second half, although without direction, bore Petit’s signature.

By the 58th minute, Álvaro Rodríguez was forced to leave the field after feeling discomfort in the upper muscle of his right thigh. Javi Martínez was chosen to come in, which caused Corpas to move to the left-back position, just before a new attempt by Granada with a high shot from Alemañ.

The home team continued to accumulate chances, although without the clarity needed to turn their momentum into a goal, and Pacheta made two substitutions in search of greater offensive depth. The match then turned into a scrappy phase, with constant interruptions and growing discontent from Eibar over several decisions by referee Muresan Muresan.

In that context, Óscar tried his luck with a central shot that Jonmi securely blocked, while in the 71st minute Javi Martón failed to control an excellent delivery from the right that left him alone against Luca Zidane.

With ten minutes remaining, San José turned to Magunazelaia and Bautista, reserving one last window for the end. It was precisely the latter who had the clearest chance of the period: after a cross from Corpas, the ‘9’ connected with the inside of his foot, but his shot from the penalty spot went over the crossbar. The response in the opposite area was quick, but Jonmi appeared to secure the point.