Eibar’s dominance reaps no rewards in a 1-0 loss

Eibar couldn’t capitalise on their start-to-finish dominance and slipped to a 1-0 defeat away at Racing Santander on Sunday, a result which means they drop out of the automatic promotion spots.

Los Armeros started the game well and were clearly dominant in the first half. They took the initiative and played on the front foot, looking to get into the opposition penalty area.

The best of the early Eibar chances were a high shot from Peru Nolaskoain in the ninth minute and a header from Yanis in the 28th minute which home goalkeeper Ezkieta pushed behind for a corner.

Eibar were then unfortunate to concede on the stroke of half-time, with Vicente scoring with Racing’s first clear sight of Luca Zidane’s goal.

After the passage through the dressing rooms, Eibar only increased their dominance in the second half.

Racing were pinned back as they aimed to defend their lead and they did so to mean they secure their second division status.

Meanwhile, Eibar lacked couldn’t mount a comeback, even though Berrocal had the ball in the net in the 81st minute, as that goal was disallowed for a handball.

Gaizka Garitano’s side pushed until the final whistle, with Stoichkov even hitting the post in stoppage time, but they were unable to score and no longer hold automatic promotion in their own hands.