Eibar go marching on
The Armeros mathematically secure their top-flight status and record their most prolific campaign
This Eibar side refuse to down tools with tonight's 3-1 victory over UD Las Palmas mathematically guaranteeing their Primera Division status for a further campaign.
This win sees the Armeros remain in eighth spot in the standings and surpass their best-ever top-flight goals return, all of which has been achieved with eight matchdays remaining.
The opening exchanges saw the control of the game change hands on several occasions, with the islanders enjoying concerted spells of pressure. However, it was Eibar who drew first blood on 13' and the opener served to give the hosts real confidence.
The opening goal provided a demonstration that the absence of players isn't an issue for José Luis Mendilibar's side. Antonio Luna, who had lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks, floated a fine ball over the top to Bebé, making his first start since Matchday 8, and he outpaced the visitors' backline before firing home.
Bebé, who was heavily involved throughout, also had a hand in the hosts' second goal on 22'. The winger swung the ball over to Kike García, who directed it goalwards and beyond the visitors' custodian after a ricochet off Aythami. Goals like this one are sometimes handed to the striker, but on this occasion, the referee awarded an own goal.
At this point, the Armeros were well on track to secure victory and the hosts were finding real joy down the flanks as they sent countless balls into the box.
The Canary Islanders came flying out of the traps after the interval and they had the chance to have reduced the deficit in the first move of the half, but Marko Livaja and Roque Mesa on the follow-up were unable to get the better of Yoel, whose fine positioning thwarted the islanders' efforts on both occasions.
With 61 minutes on the clock, Quique Setién's troops cut the arrears courtesy of Mauricio Lemos's stunning long-range free-kick which nestled into the top corner.
That goal put the result into doubt, but the home side swiftly restored their two-goal cushion when, just five minutes later, Adrián González stroked home from the spot to claim his seventh goal of the season after the referee had been prompted to award a penalty by his assistant for a pull on Kike García.
The islanders failed to create any further danger and it was Eibar who continued to probe, particularly down the right, with pieces of play from Ander Capa and Pedro León drawing warm applause from the Ipurua faithful, who revelled in another home win.
With their top-flight survival guaranteed and having cemented their place amongst the top 10, Eibar head into the final eight games of the La Liga season looking not to relinquish their place amongst the division's top eight.