Eibar belief moves mountains
A sound and defensively tight display saw Eibar take the spoils in Málaga
SD Eibar got their LaLiga campaign off to the best possible start as the Armeros claimed a solid victory on a night on which they hardly afforded their hosts any sights of goal.
The visitors' 1-0 triumph at La Rosaleda, secured courtesy of a headed effort from former Málaga forward Charles, serves to boost the confidence of José Luis Mendilibar's charges, allowing the side to go on and establish a recognisable playing style in these early stages of the campaign.
It took all of three minutes for the Armeros to fashion their first clear-cut opening of the night. Kike García latched onto a throw-in and reached the by-line before sending in a cross towards Charles, who was a whisker away from connecting and stretched out a hand to turn the ball home. The goal was chalked off whilst the Brazilian was handed a caution.
Indeed, Charles was heavily involved in the action and came close to breaking the deadlock on a number of occasions following moves down the left flank, where Takashi Inui was proving to be the main source of ammunition.
Málaga only threatened when an under-pressure Juanpi sent his effort just wide of the upright.
In the second period Eibar began to boss proceedings. The visitors showed no shortage of ambition to regain possession as they pressed their opponents and defended with real efficiency to take charge of a game in which Málaga failed to create any play.
With 57 minutes on the clock, a Cote cross from the left was met by Charles, whose headed effort took a slight deflection off Diego González before nestling into the corner of the net. As a mark of respect towards the home faithful, the Eibar striker chose not to celebrate the goal.
The Armeros had the chances to have killed the game off with Cote's strike on 60' from outside the box whistling just past the post, whilst Rubén Peña and Iván Alejo linked up well in the 68th minute but failed to find the net. Meanwhile, on 77' Inui was left with only Roberto to beat but the Japanese midfielder's weak finish was easily gathered in by the hosts' goalkeeper.
Jony's introduction gave Málaga greater attacking purpose as the home side momentarily got themselves on top, but the Andalusians came up against an immense rearguard action from an Eibar side that refused to afford the hosts any chances.
Two efforts from former Eibar hitman Borja Bastón were well dealt with by Marko Dmitrovic and the game ended without any further incident as Eibar claimed a deserved and encouraging victory which featured debuts for six members of the squad (Dmitrovic, Paulo Oliveira, Alejo, Charles, Cote and Joan Jordán), with the former three enjoying a successful first taste of LaLiga Santander football.