A 1-1 first-leg draw means the tie will be decided at Mendizorrotza

The first leg of the promotion playoffs semi-final between Eibar and Deportivo Alavés finished 1-1 at Ipurua, meaning the tie will be decided in Thursday’s second leg at Mendizorrotza.

Eibar got off to a tricky start in the match and, as has also been the case in other recent matches, they conceded at their opponents’ first dangerous move when Sylla fired in a shot after receiving the ball from a ninth minute throw-in.

Immediately, Eibar sought to react and the home side began to dominate the game. However, they found themselves up against an opponent who defended well in their own half.

It seemed the first half was going to end with the visitors 1-0 up, but the equaliser came with a piece of play that was similar to Alavés’ goal. Sergio Álvarez took a throw-in and Stoichkov’s creative flick made it 1-1.

The equaliser gave Los Armeros a boost and they came out all guns blazing in the second half in search of a go-ahead goal. They kept getting forward down the wings and peppered the Alavés goal with shots.

Jon Bautista headed just wide from Matheus’ cross from the left in the 51st minute, Stoichkov had a shot that was only just saved by Sivera in the 67th minute and a Tejero cross almost produced an own goal in the 68th minute.

However, Eibar then went a man down in the 72nd minute, as Arbilla was sent off for a second yellow card. The imbalance between fouls committed and cards received was clearly against Los Armeros in this one.

After that, there were no more clear chances and the 1-1 draw means the tie is very much up in the air, with it all to be decided during what will be an exciting second leg in Vitoria.