Preview | Eibar tests its strength against a Real Zaragoza forced to react

SD Eibar - Real Zaragoza (Ipurua, 18:30 hours)

Ipurua will sound its horn again this Saturday at 18:30 for a duel with a familiar aroma. SD Eibar hosts a needy Real Zaragoza, struggling in the standings but revitalized after the emotional boost of the Aragonese derby. A confirmation match for the "armeros," who have dominated this matchup in recent years: they haven't lost to the "maños" since 2009 and have recorded four wins and a draw at home.

Beñat San José's team arrives supported by their strength at home. At Ipurua, they have built their identity this season: seven matches, 15 points, and a recognizable style that combines aggressive pressing, order, versatility, and competitive maturity that multiplies in front of their fans. Eleven goals scored, only four conceded, and the feeling that when they press high and close lines, Eibar dictates the game. The pending challenge remains their away form, but at Ipurua, the trend is unmistakable.

Real Zaragoza arrives in an opposite context. They are at the bottom of the table with 9 points after 14 matchdays, and although the victory against SD Huesca eased the tension and showed a sign of life, the stats remain tough: one goal per game in the last five matchdays, heavy defeats against Deportivo, Sporting, and Granada, and scarce offensive production, with only Dani Gómez reaching two goals. Even so, the Copa victory and the boost from the derby have restored some conviction to a team that travels with the obligation to add points and without Radovanovic, who is suspended.

Ipurua will demand intensity, rhythm, and efficiency in both areas. There, Javi Martón (5 goals) and Aleix Garrido (3 assists) hold the best offensive numbers for Eibar. Continuing with individual names, the news is positive for the "armeros": Arambarri has trained with the group after ruling out a serious injury following the facial blow in Gijón, and Peru Nolaskoain has completed all sessions under San José's orders. Adu Ares and Guruzeta, on the other hand, will have to wait. All this ahead of a match that will test the solidity of Eibar's defense and Real Zaragoza's response in their attempt to climb out of the bottom of the table.

Face to face:

Latest results of SD Eibar:

-       Real Zaragoza 1 - 1 SD Eibar

-       SD Eibar 3 - 2 Albacete BP

-       UD Almería 3 - 1 SD Eibar

-       Náxara UD 2 - 4 SD Eibar (Copa del Rey)

-       SD Eibar 0 - 0 CD Leganés

Latest results of the opponent:

-       Real Zaragoza 1 - 0 SD Huesca

-       Granada CF 3 - 1 Real Zaragoza 

-       Real Zaragoza 0 - 2 RC Deportivo

-       Mutilvera 1 - 3 Real Zaragoza (Copa del Rey)

-       Real Sporting 1 - 0 Real Zaragoza

Latest encounters:

-       Real Zaragoza 2 - 2 SD Eibar

-       SD Eibar 2 - 1 Real Zaragoza

-       SD Eibar 1 - 0 Real Zaragoza

-       Real Zaragoza 2 - 3 SD Eibar

-       SD Eibar 1 - 1 Real Zaragoza

Top Scorers in the league:

SD Eibar:
Javi Martón: 5 goals
Arbilla and Corpas: 2 goals
Bautista, Adu Ares, Jon Magunazelaia, Javi Martínez, Álvaro and Sergio Cubero: 1 goal

Real Zaragoza:
Dani Gómez: 2 goals
Sebas Moyano, Bazdar, Soberón, Kenan Kodro, Aguirregabiria: 1 goal

Top Assist Providers:

SD Eibar: Aleix Garrido - 3 assists

Real Zaragoza: Francho Serrano, Pau Sans - 1 assist

Suspended:

SD Eibar: -

Real Zaragoza: Radovanovic