Dominant Eibar unable to see off a stubborn & resolute Alavés
The Armeros failed to find the back of the net at Ipurua for the first time this season
SD Eibar's territorial and possessional superiority ultimately weren't enough to overcome a Deportivo Alavés side that showed themselves to be tough opposition who are well-equipped defensively.
In the opening exchanges, the Armeros managed to cause the visitors' defence some problems as they launched long balls forward and looked to the flanks in their efforts to make inroads on Fernando Pachecho's box. However, despite enjoying the upper hand and bossing possession, the hosts failed to carve out any clear-cut openings.
After the break, Alavés dropped deeper and became more compact in their set-up as they packed their own half in an effort to stifle Eibar's attacking play.
On 59', a Pedro León cross-shot ended up skimming the top of the crossbar, before Sergi Enrich came within inches of breaking the deadlock on 64. Rubén Peña seized on an error in the visitors' backline to charge into the box and cross for the onrushing Enrich, who was a whisker away from turning the ball home from point-blank range.
This was the sum of the opportunities carved out by José Luis Mendilibar's men, and whilst the hosts' dominance increased as the game wore on, there was more huffing and puffing that any real cutting edge from Eibar, as the Alavés defence was rarely troubled.
The Armeros produced a really disciplined defensive display and offered Yoel good protection, with the Eibar custodian barely having to deal with anything and looking assured when called upon.
The main positive for Eibar is that they pick up another point to cement their position in the upper reaches of mid-table on a day when the old adage that when you don't win, it's important not to lose is particularly apt.