Misfortune strikes to sink plucky Eibar
The Armeros slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Athletic after conceding an injury-time winner at Ipurua
Eibar were tonight the victims of some rotten luck in a game in which they found themselves having to play the last half hour with 10 men, with their brave display only ultimately undone by a last-gasp Athletic winner.
The two sides served up a high-octane contest as both teams applied a high press throughout and fought for every ball, driven on by a fine atmosphere in the stands from two sets of supporters who got right behind the players for the whole 90 minutes.
The defences ultimately came out on top in an encounter that was bereft of goalscoring opportunities and which saw the major battle played out in the middle third.
The Armeros showcased greater intensity in the centre of the pitch, which saw them make inroads into the visitors' box but ultimately only manage to fashion a handful of chances.
The hosts' clearest opening came in the first minute of the second period, when Sergi Enrich got in behind the Rojiblancos' defence to latch on to Pedro León's lofted through ball, but he failed to make a proper connection when closed down by the onrushing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The game's key moment came in the 55th minute as Gonzalo Escalante was shown a straight red for a challenge from behind on Iker Muniain which prevented Athletic from mounting a counter-attack.
Now facing a numerical disadvantage, Eibar produced real intensity and plenty of fight as they continued to press all over the pitch. In spite of this, Athletic still managed to pick some holes in the home side's defence as they looked to threaten Yoel's goal.
On 62', Raúl García saw his crisp left-footed volleyed effort come crashing back off the upright, whilst just four minutes later, Yoel stood firm to prevent the home side from going behind when Muniain found himself clean through with just the goalie to beat.
As the clock ticked down, José Luis Mendilibar's men kept plugging away, contesting every ball and barely affording the visitors any sights on goal.
However, just as the game looked destined to end goalless, Raúl García struck an injury-time winner after a Beñat free-kick had only been half cleared, leaving Eibar with no time to hit back. This result was tough on a brave and committed performance from Eibar, who kept themselves in the game right until the last.