Eibar put up fight against Atlético but ultimately slip to 1-0 home defeat
A solitary Gameiro strike decided the outcome of a contest that the Armeros dominated
Eibar succumbed to defeat in tonight's Matchday 19 encounter against Atlético Madrid. The Armeros headed into their second game of the year looking to extend a historic run that has propelled them up into the upper echelons of the league standings. However, a Kevin Gameiro strike halfway through the first period left the hosts empty-handed on a night when their performance merited more.
The Armeros couldn't have made a better start to proceedings, winning two corners in the opening minutes. However, Atlético also looked capable of posing a serious threat in the early exchanges. Ángel Correa had the opportunity to put the visitors ahead with the first chance of the game, but he contrived to send his effort past Marko Dmitrović's right post.
As the minutes ticked by, Eibar began to boss possession and made inroads into the visitors' box on a number of occasions, although they failed to convert the numerous crosses sent into the area. Atlético, meanwhile, continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack and it was one such breakaway that brought the game's winning goal. A quick transition from the Rojiblancos saw Antoine Griezmann square the ball across the box to an unmarked Gameiro, who rifled home under Dmitrović.
After the restart, the home side managed to camp themselves in the opposition's half whilst Atlético defended with real intensity. Eibar had several chances to have levelled terms. In the 63rd minute, an Atleti defender took the sting out of Sergi Enrich's headed effort at the far post and Jan Oblak was able to gather the ball in. Several minutes later, Paulo had a fine chance from an outswinging corner but his towering header was kept out by Oblak.
In the closing stages, the Armeros pushed hard for an equaliser and with the backing of the home faithful, the hosts fashioned their clearest chances of the night. In the 89th minute Kike García met an inch-perfect cross from the right but his glancing header whistled just inches wide of the upright. Atlético, meanwhile, continued to produce a strong rearguard action to counter the Armeros' onslaught. Eibar fought right to the end but ultimately were left for nothing to show from what was a fine performance.