Eibar claim a point in 1-1 draw with Deportivo
The Armeros had to settle for a share of the spoils at Riazor, a result which puts them on 39 points for the season
Eibar played out a 1-1 stalemate against RC Deportivo in the sides' LaLiga Matchday 27 clash, an encounter in which the home side's goalkeeper, Maksím Koval, was sent off towards the end of the first half. Eibar, however, ultimately failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage against a Deportivo side that camped themselves in their own half after being reduced to 10 men. Japanese midfielder Takashi Inui struck the visitors' goal.
Deportivo made the brighter start at Riazor, with Marko Dmitrović twice forced into making big saves in the opening exchanges. With just three minutes on the clock, he got down low to deny Florin Andone from point-blank range and shortly afterwards he once again came to the rescue, flinging out a foot to turn a Lucas Pérez effort behind for a corner.
However, Eibar it was who made the breakthrough as the visitors got their noses in front with their very first chance of the game. Inui was on hand to meet Fabián Orellana's tantalising cross from the right and tap the ball home. After having taken the lead, the Armeros looked to dictate proceedings by dominating possession and nullifying the hosts' slick attacking play. In the 26th minute, Pedro León entered the fray in place of the injured Orellana.
A few minutes later, Andone had a gilt-edged opportunity to have restored parity but he was left to rue a missed opportunity as his effort came crashing back off the woodwork. However, a minute later, lady luck shone on the Romanian forward after his headed effort came back off the upright and struck Dmitrović on its way into the net. With five minutes of the first half to play, Koval received his marching orders, handing Eibar a numerical advantage for the remainder of the match.
In the second period, the game followed a similar script. Eibar bossed possession and pinned a dogged Depor side back into their own half. The Armeros looked to try and make their dominance tell and the introductions of Kike García and Iván Alejo saw the visitors attempt to make some inroads down the flanks. However, the Galicians showed great defensive resilience and no further goals were forthcoming.