Armeros claim emphatic victory to edge closer to quarter-finals

Eibar cruised to a 3-0 victory at El Sadar against Osasuna, a result which sees the visitors take a giant step towards the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

The Armeros virtually dominated throughout and evidenced good fitness levels to nullify the Rojillos and prevent the hosts from creating any danger.

In addition, a fine performance from Yoel Rodríguez, who pulled off several saves of note, was also decisive in deciding the outcome of the game.

The tie swung in the favour of José Luis Mendilibar's charges on 27', when Alejandro Gálvez drove forward and lofted a pass out to Antonio Luna, whose inviting cross from the left was met by Nano Mesa, who stole a yard on his man to turn the ball home.

After the restart, the changes made by Joaquín Caparrós failed to see the hosts claw their way back into the game. In fact it was the visitors who broke dangerously on the counter to go on and seal victory.  

With 74 minutes on the clock, Bebé pounced to slam the ball home and put the visitors two goals to the good after Mario in the Osasuna goal had blocked an initial effort. The goal came about after Adrián's sumptuous backheel was kept out by the custodian, who only managed to parry the ball into the path of the Portuguese attacker.

Just moments earlier, Yoel had to be at his best to deny Sergio León when the striker was through one-on-one and primed to restore parity. This was a game in which the sides' ability to convert their chances proved the difference.

With the result now beyond doubt, Eibar added gloss to the scoreline on 89' with a third. A marauding run from Anaitz Arbilla down the left flank saw him send over a cross which Adrián nodded home.

This was a sterling team effort from Eibar, who produced an impressive display to take a big step towards the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, a stage which the club has never previously reached.

At the final whistle, the Eibar players headed over to the supporters who had made the trip to Pamplona to celebrate the win and show their appreciation. Of particular note was the backing offered by the Osasuna faithful, who stayed with their team right throughout.