Copa del Rey tie becomes real uphill struggle for Eibar
Atlético saw the Armeros off in a 3-0 win
SD Eibar will have to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit in the return tie of their Copa del Rey quarter-final if they're to progress in the competition, after Atlético Madrid put themselves into a commanding position ahead of Wednesday's second-leg clash at Ipurua (19:15).
This game - which was a historic one for Eibar, given that it marked the first time that the club had reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals - got off to a very even start. Both sides showed a desire to keep things tight at the back, and although Atlético were on the front foot, Eibar looked to get forward at every opportunity during the opening 45 minutes.
Indeed, it was the visitors who came closest to drawing first blood in the early stages. With 20 minutes on the clock, a surging Bebé culimated in Miguel Ángel Moyá parrying the ball behind. Whilst on 23', some fine play from Rubén Peña forced an Atlético defender to stretch and turn the Eibar man's inviting cross behind for a corner.
However, the Rojiblancos went on to get their noses in front. Yoel misjudged the flight of a lofted free-kick, leaving Antoine Griezmann to nod Atlético ahead with 27 minutes played. Eibar weren't dispirited by this setback and strove to level matters, but their efforts ultimately bore no fruits.
At the start of the second period, Eibar looked as if they were intent on playing a higher line, but Atlético's second of the night extinguished the Armeros' hopes. Ángel Correa it was who pounced, following a series of blocks, to double the hosts' advantage on 59'.
The Madrilenians then put the game to bed in the 67th minute when Kevin Gameiro headed the ball home from point-blank range, applying the final touch after a series of Atlético headers flew around the Armeros' box.
Eibar could have reduced the arrears when Imanol Sarriegi was presented with a fine chance, but he contrived to send his shot narrowly wide.
The game ended 3-0, a result which sees Atleti take a commanding lead into the return leg at Ipurua, as recognised at the final whistle by both the Armeros players and coach José Luis Mendilibar. That said, nothing is impossible.