Preview | A long-standing classic returns to Ipurua

SD Eibar – Real Sporting (Ipurua: Sunday, February 1, 4:15 PM)

There are matches played with the ball and others played with memory. This Sunday’s game at Ipurua belongs to both categories. SD Eibar will host Real Sporting de Gijón starting at 4:15 PM in the 24th round of LaLiga Hypermotion, in the most repeated match in the club's history (46 games) and a new chapter in a rivalry built over time, shared battles, and mutual respect.

The armero team arrives at the match with the emotional boost that only a home victory can provide, and in a specific manner. The 1-0 win against UD Almería, decided in injury time by Lander Olaetxea, was much more than three points: it was a reward for persistence, collective effort, and a connection with Ipurua that is once again decisive. The team now has 28 points and gains breathing room in the standings, tied with Real Valladolid in 16th position and four points clear of the relegation zone.

Although the competitiveness of 'Hypermotion' leaves no room for relaxation and overconfidence, the recent momentum reinforces the sense of growth that comes with a significant statistic: Eibar is the team that has conceded the fewest goals in the last six rounds in both the First and Second Divisions.

The victory against Almería is joined by a goalless draw in Granada and wins against Mirandés (2-1) and Real Valladolid (3-0), confirming that Eibar maintains a competitive stronghold at their stadium. Ipurua is once again a meeting point, a driving force, and a key factor contributing to the team's improved performance.

But on the other side will be a Real Sporting team aiming for the playoff zone. The Asturian team is seventh with 36 points, the same as UD Almería, and comes into the match after a January of steady improvement. Dubasín leads the scoring chart with 11 goals, accompanied by Otero and Gelabert. With two consecutive victories with three and four goals scored, they are confirmed as a rival with talent, verticality, and declared ambition.

Recent precedents paint a scenario of maximum equality, with draws and close results in the latest encounters. Adding to this is the atmosphere. A significant number of Sporting fans are expected to travel, which will turn Ipurua into a shared, intense, and lively stadium, one of those that demands an extra level of focus and character from Eibar to secure another three points in front of their home fans.

Head to Head:

Latest results of SD Eibar:

- SD Eibar 1 - 0 UD Almería

- Granada CF 0 - 0 SD Eibar

- Burgos CF 1 - 0 SD Eibar

- SD Eibar 2 - 1 CD Mirandés

- SD Eibar 3 - 0 Real Valladolid

Latest results of the opponent:

- Real Sporting 3 - 0 CD Mirandés

- CyD Leonesa 2 - 4 Real Sporting

- Cádiz CF 3 - 2 Real Sporting

- Real Sporting 1 - 3 Málaga CF

- CD Leganés 0 - 1 Real Sporting

Latest encounters:

- Real Sporting 1 - 1 SD Eibar

- Real Sporting 0 - 0 SD Eibar

- SD Eibar 1 - 3 Real Sporting

- Real Sporting 1 - 2 SD Eibar

- Real Sporting 1 - 0 SD Eibar

Top Scorers:

SD Eibar:
Javi Martón: 6 goals
Arbilla and Corpas: 3 goals
Bautista and Álvaro Rodríguez: 2 goals

Real Sporting:
Dubasín: 11 goals
Otero and Gelabert: 7 goals
Gaspar Campos: 3 goals

Top Assist Providers in the League:

SD Eibar: Aleix Garrido - 3 assists

Real Sporting: Juan Otero - 9 assists

Players on the verge of suspension:

SD Eibar: Álvaro Rodríguez, Peru Nolaskoain, Leo Buta, José Corpas, and Arbilla.

Real Sporting: Pablo Vázquez and Diego Sánchez.

Suspended:

SD Eibar: -

Real Sporting: Nacho Martín.