Eibar slump to 2-0 defeat at Celta
The Armeros paid the price for their profligacy during a strong first-half showing to leave Balaídos empty-handed
Eibar succumbed to defeat against Celta in the teams' LaLiga Matchday 25 encounter, which proved to be an open, end-to-end contest. The Armeros put in a good first-half performance, but failed to convert their chances and were ultimately undone by a Celta side that dominated proceedings after the break. The hosts secured victory courtesy of strikes from Iago Aspas and Maxi Gómez.
José Luis Mendilibar's charges started the game on the front foot, applying their usual high press and frequently threatening the home side's goal. The visitors' clearest opening fell to Joan Jordán in the 11th minute but his effort on the half-turn was brilliantly kept out by Rubén Blanco in the Celta goal.
Eibar kept plugging away during the remainder of an opening period which saw them force no fewer than seven corners. Celta, meanwhile, grew stronger as the minutes ticked by and shortly after Maxi Gómez had fired in a warning shot, Pione Sisto spurned the hosts' clearest chance of the game. At the other end, Eibar's response saw Paulo Oliveira come close from a corner, and right on the stroke of half-time, Takashi Inui had a chance to put Eibar ahead when he connected with Cote's centre from the left, but he contrived to send his shot over the bar.
After the restart, Celta came out in determined mood in their bid to claim victory and with 10 minutes of the second half played, the home side took the lead when Aspas steered the ball home from inside the six-yard box. Just a few minutes later, Inui had the chance to level terms but the Japanese international failed to hit the target.
The Armeros were now pushing forward with real impetus and Mendilibar turned to the bench in a bid to offer his side a greater attacking threat. One of these changes saw Pedro León make his return following a near nine-month absence. However, there was no let-up from Celta and the hosts duly doubled their advantage following a sublime counter-attacking move that culminated in Maxi Gómez firing the ball home.
Despite their best efforts, Eibar were ultimately unable to breach the hosts' backline and the three points stayed in Vigo.